Should You Release the Brake Quickly or Slowly in an Automatic Transmission?
2 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.
