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 brake, and in most cases, you should brake to slow down before entering the curve. If you wait until you are already in the curve to brake, it might be too late. If the speed is not high, you may not need to brake as long as safety is ensured. An automatic transmission does not require the driver to manually shift gears; the vehicle will automatically select the appropriate gear based on the driving speed and traffic conditions. The function of the brake is to reduce speed or stop the vehicle. Its working principle is to convert the kinetic energy of the moving vehicle into heat energy through friction between the brake pads and brake drum, as well as between the tires and the ground, thereby slowing down or stopping the car.
Having driven automatic transmission cars for many years, applying brakes when turning is a standard practice. Before entering a curve, gently press the brake to reduce speed to an appropriate level, ensuring a smoother turn and avoiding loss of control or skidding. During the turn, adjust the throttle or lightly tap the brake based on the curve's sharpness—usually, continuous braking isn't necessary. On slippery roads or sharp turns, it's even more crucial to slow down early—safety comes first. Developing this habit significantly reduces accident risks, especially on urban curves or during high-speed driving. Daily driving experience has taught me that speed control is key; the advantage of automatic transmissions lies in their natural throttle response paired with braking, making driving both safe and comfortable. In short, braking before a turn is a wise move.
When I first started learning to drive an automatic car, I was quite confused about whether to brake when turning. The instructor taught me to gently press the brake to slow down before entering the turn, not during the turn, otherwise the car might skid or wobble, which is very dangerous. During practice, I once made the mistake of not slowing down before a turn and almost had a minor accident; now I always aim to judge the distance to the curve in advance and keep my foot ready on the brake. I recommend that beginners practice more on gentle curves, slow down to a safe speed before entering the turn, and make slight adjustments with the accelerator during the turn, which makes driving easier and avoids accidents. Be extra careful in different road conditions, such as rain, and brake gently; driving is about accumulating experience, and it will become instinctive over time.
