What happens if you press both the brake and accelerator in an automatic transmission car at the same time?
4 Answers
Pressing both the brake and accelerator simultaneously generally increases vehicle fuel consumption and wears out the brake discs. However, under different speeds and road conditions, it may also cause sudden vehicle deviation, posing safety risks. Introduction to Brakes: Braking, also known as deceleration, refers to the action of stopping or reducing the speed of moving locomotives, vehicles, other transportation tools, or machinery. The general principle of braking is to fix a wheel or disc on the high-speed shaft of the machine and install corresponding brake pads, bands, or discs on the machine base to generate braking torque under external force. The braking device is a mechanical device that can slow down the vehicle speed, also known as a decelerator. Classification of Brakes: Drum brakes, advantages of drum brakes, disadvantages of drum brakes, disc brakes, etc.
As an experienced driver with years of driving, I can tell you that if you press both the brake and accelerator pedals simultaneously in an automatic transmission car, the engine will rev wildly but the car will barely move, producing a loud roaring noise. This happens because the braking system has higher priority, forcibly preventing the wheels from turning, and the engine power is wasted. Doing this for a prolonged period can easily cause the transmission to overheat or wear out, and may also burn the brake pads or increase fuel consumption. Once, my friend accidentally did this in a parking lot and nearly hit a wall—it was very dangerous. I recommend everyone use their right foot to flexibly operate both pedals and develop good habits to avoid mistakes. Additionally, during traffic jams, stay focused and avoid distractions like using your phone to prevent accidental pedal presses.
I'm a regular commuter who had a scary experience once. That day, while stopped at a red light, I instinctively pressed the accelerator without releasing the brake with my right foot. The engine roared violently, but the car didn't move, feeling like it was about to explode. This situation is quite common in automatic transmission cars—the engine delivers full power while the brakes lock the wheels, creating unnecessary mechanical stress. It's fine occasionally, but making it a habit could lead to transmission failure or brake fade, which are expensive and troublesome to fix. Afterward, I seriously practiced right-foot control techniques and remind myself to stay calm while driving. Simply put, using both feet is a bad idea—safety first.
After working in the auto repair industry for so long, I've seen many cars sent for repairs because the owners simultaneously pressed the brake and accelerator. In automatic transmission design, the engine and transmission bear excessive load, causing oil temperature to skyrocket instantly, potentially burning out clutch plates or triggering leakage issues. Specifically, the brake priority system absorbs power, but the engine idles wastefully, leading to component fatigue over time. It's best to avoid this practice to prevent unnecessary repair costs in the future. For daily driving, using single-foot control is the most worry-free approach.
