Should You Release the Brake Quickly or Slowly in an Automatic Transmission?
4 Answers
Whether to release the brake quickly or slowly in an automatic transmission depends on the specific situation: If the road ahead is flat and clear, you can release the brake quickly and then accelerate to move forward. However, if the road ahead is complex, crowded, has pedestrians, other vehicles, obstacles, or if you are about to descend a steep slope, you should release the brake slowly and avoid releasing it all at once. The gears in an automatic transmission car include: P (Park) gear is for long-term parking; R (Reverse) gear is used when the vehicle needs to move backward; N (Neutral) gear is for short-term parking without turning off the engine; S (Sport) mode makes the vehicle drive more sportily; M (Manual) mode allows the driver to manually shift gears when the gear lever is in this position.
As a daily driver of an automatic transmission car, I believe it's best to release the brake slowly, especially when starting. Gently easing off the foot brake allows the vehicle to move forward smoothly and steadily without any jerking, ensuring passengers don't feel any shaking. Releasing the brake too quickly can cause the car to lurch forward, and on slopes, it might even lead to rolling back and potential accidents. Having driven extensively in urban traffic, especially during peak hours when congestion is severe, I've found that slowly releasing the brake saves more fuel and reduces wear on the transmission. Remember, making this a habit will enhance your overall driving experience. If your car has a hill-start assist function, it also requires a slow release of the brake to activate the automatic braking, ensuring safety. In short, slow release ensures a smoother start and prolongs the vehicle's lifespan.
As an impatient driver, I used to love releasing the brake pedal quickly, thinking it made for a faster and more fun start. But I learned my lesson the hard way. Once at a traffic light, I released the brake too fast, causing the car to lurch forward and nearly hit the vehicle in front. Another time on a slope, I tried the same thing, only to roll back half a meter, earning angry honks from the car behind. Now I know better: releasing the brake slowly allows for a gentler engagement between the engine and transmission, reducing shock and wear on parts. On slippery roads or when turning, a slow release helps maintain stability and minimizes the risk of skidding. I recommend everyone take it easy—controlling your start with patience makes for a smoother and safer drive.
As an experienced driver, I always insist on releasing the brake pedal slowly in an automatic transmission vehicle, avoiding sudden acceleration. On flat ground, you can release it slightly faster, but on slopes, you must carefully and slowly release the brake to prevent rolling back. Some models' hill-start assist systems also require you to release the brake slowly to activate. Having driven automatic transmission cars for over a decade, this habit ensures smooth starts and avoids unnecessary accidents. Controlling the release speed properly can also reduce fuel waste and extend component lifespan.
