Should You Press the Accelerator When Reversing a Car?
4 Answers
For manual transmission cars, you can lightly press the accelerator, but for automatic transmission cars, it's best not to press the accelerator when reversing. Below are some related points about reversing: Precautions for reversing: Adjust the rearview mirror inside the car properly. Due to differences in height, the rearview mirror needs to be adjusted appropriately to avoid obstructed vision when looking directly backward. Also, pay attention to both side mirrors. When reversing, besides checking the interior rearview mirror, make sure to monitor both side mirrors to prevent the vehicle from hitting other cars or obstacles on either side. Reversing: Refers to the act of moving a motor vehicle backward, or when people "transfer" during a trip, i.e., switching from one vehicle to another. Reversing is generally more challenging than driving forward, mainly because the view is somewhat limited.
As a seasoned driver with fifteen years of experience, I recommend using idle speed when reversing. For automatic transmission models, simply releasing the brake will allow the car to move backward slowly, while for manual transmission, gently lifting the clutch is sufficient. Especially when reversing in residential areas, pressing the accelerator is dangerous—if the car suddenly lurches forward and hits a child or pet, it would be disastrous. Two years ago, a car in our neighborhood accidentally hit a fire hydrant after mistakenly pressing the accelerator while reversing. Only in extreme situations, such as reversing on a slope or needing brief power to overcome an obstacle, should you press the accelerator. Always remember to turn your head and check behind you first, keep your heel planted on the floorboard, and lightly tap the accelerator with your toes for just half a second before releasing. Backup cameras and sensors aren’t foolproof—last week, my neighbor hit a low stone pillar while reversing, and the sensors didn’t even alert them.
When teaching my daughter to drive, I repeatedly emphasized: Treat the gas pedal when reversing like handling a raw egg—be gentle and cautious. For automatic transmissions, keep your right foot angled on the brake, ready to stop. Using idle speed at 0.7 meters per second is sufficient, allowing enough time to check the left and right rearview mirrors. Only when reversing on slopes like those in mall parking garages should you lightly apply the gas, but you must also press the brake firmly to control speed. Once, while accompanying a beginner, she mistakenly pressed the gas instead of the brake while reversing and nearly hit a tree. Now, when teaching others, I advise adjusting the seat to recline slightly for easier head-turning observation. Crossing hands on the steering wheel while reversing allows for more precise steering. Be extra cautious on wet or slippery surfaces—even running over a plastic sheet can cause the tires to skid.
Back when I just got my driver's license, I kept asking my instructor this question. The coach said the reverse throttle is like a powder keg—don't touch it unless absolutely necessary. Nowadays, I use idle speed for fine adjustments when reverse parking: first shift to R gear and release the brake, turn the steering wheel a quarter turn, return half a turn when the car body is at a 45-degree angle, and pull the handbrake once in position. The parking space at work is only 30 cm wider than the car, and it's all thanks to idle speed that I can park accurately. Once, on a rainy day, I tried lightly tapping the throttle while reversing on tiled ground, and the wheels spun out instantly, giving me a cold sweat. A friend’s modified high-displacement car is even more extreme—reversing at idle speed feels like skating. If you really need to give it some gas, I suggest holding your breath to control your trembling ankles.
