Under What Circumstances Should You Not Press the Brake Pedal?
2 Answers
You should not press the accelerator pedal when shifting gears because during gear shifting, the engine and transmission gears are in a separated state. Pressing the accelerator pedal at this time means the engine's power cannot be transmitted to the transmission, resulting in wasted effort, fuel consumption, and potential gear wear. Below is relevant information about car pedals: 1. Clutch Pedal: Most clutches use hydraulic assistance. If air enters this hydraulic system, it can cause incomplete clutch disengagement and difficulty in shifting gears. This is reflected in the pedal feel as a loose and spongy sensation, as if stepping on air. 2. Brake Pedal: The brake pedal is the largest and sturdiest among the three pedals. Its function is to slow down or stop the car. Different car models have varying brake sensitivity and pedal travel, which are related to the manufacturer's tuning. 3. Accelerator Pedal: The brake pedal is used to control the car's speed. Pressing the accelerator pedal increases the engine's RPM and power output, while releasing it decreases the engine's RPM and power.
As an experienced driver, I've found that sometimes hitting the brakes can actually increase risks. When driving at high speeds, such as over 100 km/h, if the vehicle ahead suddenly brakes hard, I usually choose to release the accelerator and let the car slow down naturally rather than slamming on the brake pedal. This is because doing so could cause the wheels to lock up instantly, leading to skidding—especially on wet or snowy roads where tire traction is poor, making sudden braking more likely to cause loss of vehicle control. Additionally, when taking sharp turns on mountain roads, I never brake during the turn; instead, I reduce speed before entering the curve to ensure the car remains stable through high-centrifugal-force zones. Modern cars come equipped with ABS (anti-lock braking systems), which automatically pulse the brakes during hard stops, but if I brake erratically, it might interfere with the system's operation and make things even more dangerous. My advice is that maintaining a safe following distance is key, and developing the habit of anticipating road conditions can reduce the need for emergency braking. For example, in heavy urban traffic, sudden braking when following too closely can easily lead to rear-end collisions. In short, in these scenarios, avoiding the brake pedal is often the safer and more prudent choice.
