Should You Press the Accelerator When Making a U-Turn in an Automatic Car?
3 Answers
When making a U-turn, the car has already slowed down in advance. At this time, you should first press the clutch halfway and add a little throttle if the speed is too slow. Here is some related information about automatic transmissions: 1. Automatic Principle: The engine's power is transmitted through the gearbox, which is also a key factor affecting fuel consumption. Generally, automatic transmissions consume 10% more fuel than manual transmissions. Whether manual or automatic, the more gears there are, the more fuel-efficient the car will be. 2. Driving Tips: For manual transmission cars, you should shift up at high RPMs. The engine is designed to work at higher RPMs, and various components' dynamic balance and rotational inertia parameters are also designed with high RPMs as the reference. If the engine operates for a long time under abnormal conditions, the load and wear on internal parts will naturally increase, leading to frequent shaking and knocking, which can also affect the engine's lifespan. Choosing 3000 RPM as the shift-up point ensures that after shifting, the engine operates at around 2300 RPM, keeping it within a healthy RPM range.
When making a U-turn in an automatic car, whether to press the accelerator depends on the situation. On flat ground, if the car is already moving slowly, such as in a parking lot, the car can usually move slowly with idle speed without pressing the accelerator, which makes the operation smoother and more fuel-efficient. However, if you encounter a slope or a narrow turning angle, the car might not have enough power and could roll back or get stuck, so a light press on the accelerator can help. The key is to control it well—slow down and check the road conditions before turning, ensure no other cars are in the way, and then lightly press the accelerator if needed to maintain power. New drivers should be careful not to press the accelerator too hard out of nervousness, which could cause the front wheels to skid. Safety first—practice a few times and you’ll get the hang of it. In the end, driving is about feeling it out—don’t stick too rigidly to fixed rules.
Whether to step on the accelerator when making a U-turn depends entirely on experience and road conditions. For seasoned drivers like me, I usually tap the accelerator only when making a U-turn in heavy traffic to complete the turn quickly and avoid congestion. In relaxed environments, such as suburban roads, you can rely on idle speed to make a slow and smooth turn without needing to touch the accelerator. The key is to maintain a steady speed—avoid sudden stops or jerky movements that could damage the steering components. I've seen many friends mess up—either hitting the accelerator too hard and lurching forward or not pressing it at all, causing the car to stall and leading to accidents. Remember to slow down before starting the turn, confirm safety, and gently control the power. The accelerator is just an auxiliary tool, not a necessity. With more driving experience, you'll naturally know when to move and when to stop.
