Under What Circumstances Should You Press the Accelerator?
4 Answers
Generally, when starting a car, you should press the accelerator while releasing the clutch to prevent stalling even if the starting resistance is high. Below is a detailed introduction about the car accelerator: 1. Overview: The accelerator, also known as the "throttle" or "gas pedal," is a control device that regulates the engine's power (thrust). In piston aircraft engines, the throttle controls the carburetor's throttle valve opening to manage the cylinder's filling volume, thereby determining the engine's output power. 2. Others: In gas turbine engines, the throttle controls the metered fuel flow of the fuel regulator, thus determining the thrust produced by the engine. The accelerator pedal is part of the car's fuel supply system. By adjusting the amount of pedal press, it controls the engine's throttle valve opening and the intake air volume.
Every time I drive out, I have to step on the gas pedal! For example, when starting at a green light, I gradually press down the accelerator to get the car moving. If I encounter an uphill section, I need to apply more force, otherwise the car might roll backward. Overtaking requires an even deeper press on the gas pedal to accelerate, and it feels especially thrilling when I check the rearview mirror, find a gap, and floor it. Even when cruising on the highway, I have to keep pressing the gas pedal to maintain speed—it's like riding a bicycle where you have to keep pedaling to move forward. However, I've noticed many beginners in traffic jams tend to press the pedal too abruptly, causing the car to jerk. Actually, easing off the gas and letting the car coast is more fuel-efficient. I’ve heard that slamming the gas pedal in an emergency can even trigger ABS, though I’ve never tried it myself.
As a veteran truck driver with over 20 years of experience, I've learned some key lessons: When hauling cargo up long slopes, maintain continuous throttle - if the engine RPM drops below 1500, it's time to add more gas. During rainy days when crossing waterlogged sections, gently press the accelerator to maintain steady speed; pressing too hard can cause skidding. Surprisingly, when driving empty on highways, it's better to ease off the throttle and keep the dashboard needle in the green economy zone for optimal efficiency. The gas station master taught me that turbocharged vehicles shouldn't be revved hard right after startup - wait for the oil to circulate before accelerating. The funniest moment was seeing a rookie in the parking lot revving while searching for a spot, tires literally smoking from the friction.
We car enthusiasts have so many techniques when it comes to stepping on the gas pedal! In drag racing, you gotta floor the throttle right through the firewall for maximum power, and the sound of wide-open exhaust valves is absolutely spine-tingling. The heel-toe maneuver looks the coolest during mountain pass cornering - braking with the toe while blipping the throttle with the heel to maintain RPM. Last track day I saw a heavily modified Fit that could pull off beautiful drifts by late braking before corners. But I actually drive very gently in daily situations, as stomping on a CVT transmission might cause belt slippage. Turbocharged cars require extra caution too - they're basically powerless below 3,000 RPM.
