Should You Press the Brake When Shifting Gears in an Automatic Transmission?

[LaEvangeline]

Automatic transmission requires pressing the brake when shifting gears, typically only mandatory when shifting from P (Park) to other gears. Switching between other gears does not strictly require pressing the brake. However, from a safety perspective, it is recommended that drivers press the brake when performing gear shifts in automatic transmission vehicles. Regardless of whether gears can be freely switched, shifting gears while the vehicle is in motion is unsafe and can cause some damage to the car's transmission. If you shift into drive without pressing the brake, the car may lurch forward suddenly. If a novice driver panics and accidentally presses the accelerator, the vehicle could accelerate unexpectedly, increasing the risk of an accident. The same principle applies when reversing.