Should You Lift the Accelerator Before Pressing It Again for Automatic Transmission Acceleration?
3 Answers
For accelerating with an automatic transmission, it is recommended to slightly release the accelerator (the automatic transmission will issue an upshift command) before pressing it again. This ensures smooth gear shifting, allowing for sequential upshifts and speed increases. Below are specific tips for driving an automatic transmission vehicle: 1. Driving on Flat Roads: When driving on flat roads, gently lifting the accelerator pedal will prompt the transmission to upshift automatically. For overtaking, release the accelerator slightly before pressing it down firmly to achieve maximum effect. This is because the sudden acceleration required for overtaking cannot be achieved solely by the transmission's capability. 2. Avoid Coasting in Neutral: Do not coast in neutral, such as shifting the automatic transmission lever into neutral before a red light or when going downhill. This can damage the automatic transmission vehicle. The gears in the automatic transmission will rotate at high speeds driven by the wheels, reaching up to 3000 RPM momentarily. Due to insufficient oil supply from the transmission oil pump, the gears may not receive adequate lubrication, leading to overheating and wear, which can raise the transmission oil temperature and shorten its lifespan.
I've been driving automatic transmission cars for nearly 30 years, and there's absolutely no need to lift off the throttle before accelerating. Automatic transmissions are quite intelligent—they automatically adjust gears based on how hard you press the accelerator. If you want the car to accelerate quickly, simply press the pedal deeper, and the system will downshift automatically to increase power. Lifting and then pressing again can actually interrupt the acceleration process, potentially causing jerky movements, wasting fuel, and making the ride uncomfortable. Some experienced drivers might mistakenly think they should operate it like a manual transmission, but automatics are much more hassle-free. Remember, maintaining steady throttle pressure is key—it saves fuel and reduces wear. I recommend paying attention to regular transmission maintenance, such as checking the fluid, to extend the car's lifespan and ensure safe driving.
As an automatic transmission car user with an intelligent driving system, there's absolutely no need to lift off the throttle before accelerating. Modern vehicle design philosophy focuses on simplifying operations - when you press the accelerator, the computer instantly calculates gear changes. When you floor it, the system activates kick-down for faster acceleration, but there's no need for unnecessary pedal lifting. From an energy-saving perspective, maintaining steady throttle reduces unnecessary power interruptions and saves fuel. In daily use, I adjust my habits according to different modes - gentle pressing in Eco mode, more responsive in Sport mode. Don't believe in complicated techniques, keeping it simple is the way to go.
