Should You Brake When Turning in an Automatic Transmission Car?
3 Answers
Whether to brake when turning in an automatic transmission car mainly depends on the speed. If the speed is high, you must apply the brakes, and in most cases, braking should be done before entering the curve to reduce speed. Waiting until you are already in the curve to brake and decelerate is somewhat late. If the speed is not high, you can avoid braking as long as safety is ensured. Using the brakes less can extend the lifespan of the brake pads. It's important to learn how to flexibly control the accelerator. If you feel the speed is too high, first release the accelerator to let the vehicle slow down. If the speed still feels excessive, promptly apply the brakes. Practicing this habit over time can significantly increase the lifespan of the brake pads.
I've been driving automatic transmission cars for over a decade, and I still think braking when turning is very important. It's mainly for safety reasons. If you don't slow down and turn directly, if the speed is too fast, the car is prone to skidding or running off the lane. Especially on slippery roads or sharp turns, braking can help you stabilize the speed and avoid danger. I remember once at a highway exit, I didn't brake enough before turning, and the car felt a bit floaty, which gave me a scare. Now I'm used to lightly braking before entering a curve to reduce to a safe speed, then smoothly navigating the turn. For low-speed turns like turning uphill in a parking lot, you might not need to brake, but it's still good to develop the habit during normal driving—don't find it troublesome. When it comes to driving, safety comes first. A little more preparation means a little less risk.
As someone who frequently goes on road trips, my experience with automatic transmission turns is that whether to brake depends on the situation. If the speed is high before the turn, such as exceeding 60 kilometers per hour, I gently apply the brakes in advance to gradually reduce speed, ensuring a smooth entry into the turn. At lower speeds, like below 30 kilometers per hour, simply easing off the accelerator to let the car slow down naturally is sufficient. The key is to observe the road conditions: the size of the curve, whether the road is dry or wet, and the presence of pedestrians. I recommend beginners practice in an open area first to get a feel for it. In short, maintaining smooth operation is most important to avoid sudden braking that could cause a rear-end collision. Regularly checking tire condition and overall vehicle status also makes turning safer and more reliable.
