Will an Automatic Car Move When the Brake is Released?
3 Answers
An automatic car may or may not move when the brake is released, depending on the actual situation. Whether an automatic car moves after releasing the brake depends on the gear position. Normally, if the gear is in D (Drive), R (Reverse), or L (Low), the car will move when the brake is released. However, even in these gears, there are a few special cases where the car won't move: 1. The car is on a very steep slope; 2. Some car models have transmissions designed not to move without pressing the accelerator. Introduction to the gears in an automatic car: 1. P (Park) is used when parking; 2. R (Reverse) is used for reversing; 3. N (Neutral) is used when starting the engine; 4. D (Drive) is used for normal driving; 5. L (Low) is mainly used for climbing or descending hills; 6. S (Second) operates similarly to 2nd gear, shifting only between 1st and 2nd gears.
When I first learned to drive an automatic car, I was also curious about this. Turns out, if you release the brake, the car will indeed move forward slowly, especially noticeable on flat roads. It’s like the car automatically creeps at idle speed, saving me the small effort of pressing the accelerator. After getting used to it, I found this super handy in traffic jams—no need for frequent operations when the traffic moves slowly. Of course, you also need to be careful: if you release the brake on a slope, the car might roll backward or forward, so I always recommend using the handbrake to prevent accidents. Regular maintenance checks on the brake and transmission systems can also prevent mishaps. In short, it’s a thoughtful design, but safety first—don’t take it lightly.
Having driven automatic transmission cars for over a decade, I'm quite qualified to speak on this. Most vehicles will creep forward when you release the brake due to the transmission's idle push mechanism. The advantage is smoother starts, making it harder for beginners to stall. But a word of caution: this might not work with aging vehicles, such as when clutch plates wear out or there's insufficient lubrication. Safety-wise, never rely solely on this technique in parking lots or on slopes – always pair it with the foot brake for stability. From experience, regular oil changes and maintenance can preserve this creep function and prevent sudden stops/starts from damaging your car.
