Should the Accelerator Be Kept Pressed All the Time?

[DiLincoln]

The accelerator does not need to be kept pressed all the time. Whether to press the accelerator pedal depends on the driving environment. If there is no need to decelerate or stop, the right foot should remain on the accelerator pedal. However, when deceleration or stopping is required, there is no need to press the accelerator anymore; instead, the brake pedal should be pressed. If preparing to stop, there is also no need to press the accelerator. The right foot should press the brake, and after coming to a complete stop, if you do not intend to turn off the engine, there is no need to press the accelerator pedal—the engine will maintain idle operation. Reasons for pressing the accelerator: While driving, the foot does not necessarily have to stay on the accelerator the entire time. Instead, it should switch between the accelerator and brake depending on road conditions. If the vehicle is moving normally, the foot must remain on the accelerator. The vehicle operates by accelerating, and without the foot on the accelerator, the car cannot accelerate and will not move. Methods of pressing the accelerator: Some drivers choose to tap the accelerator intermittently on highways to save fuel, but in terms of both fuel efficiency and comfort, the correct way to control the accelerator is to keep it pressed continuously. Only by pressing the accelerator can the engine reach the required RPM for driving, allowing the car to move at a certain speed. Once the desired speed is reached, maintaining a steady speed requires keeping the pressure on the accelerator constant. The biggest advantage of keeping the accelerator pressed continuously is that it allows the car to maintain a steady speed, which is the most fuel-efficient state for a vehicle. Tapping the accelerator intermittently causes the speed to drop to a certain level before pressing the accelerator again to increase the RPM and return to the original speed. This process not only consumes more fuel but also causes the car body to vibrate.

[OStella]

I used to think the same way when I first started driving, but experience has taught me that you don't need to keep pressing the accelerator all the time. When accelerating, you can press down to reach the desired speed and then ease off a bit, or even release it completely to let the car coast on inertia. This is especially useful on city roads, like when approaching a red light, and can save a lot of fuel. I've tested it, and the fuel-saving effect can reach over 10%, which adds up to significant savings over time. The same applies to highway driving—once you reach cruising speed, just make slight adjustments to the accelerator to maintain it. Keeping the accelerator pressed continuously forces the engine to work harder, not only wasting fuel but also potentially increasing wear and tear on components. Driving is an art, and the key is to control the accelerator pressure appropriately based on road conditions, making the ride smoother and more economical. Once you develop the habit, you'll find that smoothly pressing and releasing the accelerator is both effortless and efficient.

[SanKira]

From a safety perspective, the accelerator should never be kept pressed continuously. Constant acceleration can lead to unintended speeding, increasing the risk of rear-end collisions or loss of control, especially on curves or in crowded intersections. Releasing the accelerator at the right time allows for active deceleration, giving you more reaction time to handle sudden situations, such as a vehicle braking abruptly ahead or a pedestrian appearing. I've practiced this in various road conditions, and releasing the accelerator is a gentle way to control speed, safer and smoother compared to sudden braking. This not only reduces the likelihood of accidents but also prevents unnecessary wear and tear on the vehicle, such as extending the lifespan of brake pads. Good driving habits are built on a balance of pressing and releasing, ensuring every trip is safe and reliable.

[AshlynLynn]

I had the same question when learning to drive. The instructor explained that you don't need to keep pressing the accelerator. In manual transmission cars, you should release the accelerator when shifting gears to coordinate with the clutch; automatic transmission cars are simpler, as they can coast without immediately stopping after releasing the accelerator. For example, when driving in the city and seeing a red light ahead, releasing the accelerator to coast saves fuel and reduces noise. After practicing a few times, you'll get the rhythm and become accustomed to it. This is especially noticeable on slopes—coasting downhill using gravity without pressing the accelerator is very efficient. The accelerator is a tool for speeding up, not a necessity for maintaining speed. Learning to release it at the right time makes driving more comfortable and worry-free, avoiding excessive fatigue.