Should You Press the Brake When Starting an Automatic Transmission Car?
1 Answers
For an automatic transmission car, you don't need to press the brake if starting while stationary. However, if the car is about to move, pressing the brake is necessary. Here are explanations for both scenarios: 1. Stationary Start: In this situation, the car is usually in "P" (Park) gear, which provides braking force. Therefore, pressing the brake isn't required to start the car. However, from a safety perspective, pressing the brake while starting is a good habit. 2. Moving Off: When starting at a traffic light or preparing to drive, pressing the brake is necessary. This is because the car needs power to move, and most automatic transmission models have a lock mechanism when shifting from "P" to "R" (Reverse) or "N" (Neutral) gear. You must press the brake to successfully shift gears. Thus, if the car is about to move, pressing the brake first is essential.