Should the brake be released quickly or slowly in an automatic transmission?
4 Answers
In an automatic transmission, the foot brake should be released smoothly. Here are the details: 1. When starting: Utilize the creep phenomenon (refers to the tendency or slight creeping sensation of the vehicle moving when the gear selector of an automatic transmission car is placed in D or R gear and the engine is idling, and the brake pedal is released. This is a unique phenomenon of automatic transmission cars) to start the vehicle slowly. 2. Precautions: During the process of releasing the handbrake when starting, the foot brake should still be pressed to prevent the engine speed from increasing and causing a sudden start. When releasing the foot brake, it should be done continuously and slowly, otherwise the car may lurch forward.
I have plenty of experience with releasing the brake in automatic transmission cars. As a driver with over a decade of experience, I believe it's best to release the brake slowly. When I was younger, I always wanted to save time and would release the brake abruptly, causing the car to lurch forward suddenly. This not only made passengers uncomfortable but also caused extra wear on the engine and transmission. Later, I learned that releasing the brake slowly allows for a smoother transition of power, especially when starting on a slope, preventing the car from rolling backward. Now, I'm accustomed to gently releasing the brake, resulting in much smoother starts, prolonging the vehicle's lifespan, and saving on repair troubles. Extra caution is needed in bad weather; releasing the brake slowly in the rain helps prevent skidding. In short, developing the habit of releasing the brake slowly is good for the car and safer for everyone.
From a technical perspective, I believe gradual brake release is more reasonable. In an automatic transmission's torque converter, rapid brake release may cause shock and increase stress on mechanical components. Slowly releasing allows fluid to flow smoothly, avoiding jerking sensations, which is crucial during initial acceleration. If you're driving a sports car, quick release might be exciting, but for daily driving, smoothness is key. Frequent rapid releases can also accelerate brake system wear. While occasional quick releases are fine, developing a habit of gradual release is more beneficial for vehicle maintenance. Adjust release speed based on driving conditions: slower in congested urban areas, slightly faster on open roads. In summary, choose according to circumstances, but practicing gradual release is recommended.
Safety first, release the brake pedal slowly. This ensures controlled vehicle movement without sudden forward or backward shifts, especially on busy streets or in parking lots, minimizing collision risks. I once nearly scraped a neighbor's car due to quick brake release on a rainy day—a profound lesson. Slow release grants drivers more time to assess road conditions, a crucial skill for novices to reduce accident likelihood. On slopes, extra patience is needed: lightly brake to stabilize before releasing. Protecting yourself and others outweighs saving those few seconds. Make this a habit for worry-free driving.
