Will an Automatic Car Move Without Pressing the Accelerator?
3 Answers
An automatic car will move without pressing the accelerator because it lacks a clutch pedal. When the gear is shifted into a driving position, the clutch is already engaged, and without the resistance from the brakes, the car will naturally move forward slowly. Of course, if the driver shifts the gear into the parking position, the car will not move forward. Manual Transmission Cars: For manual transmission cars, this function is achieved through the clutch. When starting the vehicle, if the accelerator and clutch are properly coordinated, the car will slowly move forward, a phenomenon known as "creeping." If the clutch is released too quickly, the car not only won't move but may also stall, something many new drivers have struggled with. However, in an automatic car, regardless of how quickly the brake is released when starting, the car will move forward without stalling. This enhanced convenience is due to a special power transmission device in the automatic transmission—the torque converter.
I've been driving automatic transmission cars for many years and often encounter situations where the car can move slowly without pressing the accelerator. This is actually the engine idling pushing the transmission, allowing the car to move forward slowly in low gear, known as the creep phenomenon. Especially in traffic jams or parking lots, I can control the speed by releasing the brake and lightly pressing the clutch, which is very convenient and fuel-efficient, without worrying about stalling. However, the creep speed is generally around 5 km/h. If going uphill or on uneven roads, the car will stop, and you must press the accelerator to get moving. I remember once driving an older car where the creep wasn't smooth, and after taking it for repairs, it turned out the transmission fluid was too low. Nowadays, new cars are generally designed to creep smoothly, making them suitable for beginners starting out. Just pay attention to checking the engine condition regularly and maintain a safe distance to avoid hitting the car in front.
Last time when I was learning to drive an automatic transmission car, as soon as I shifted to D gear and released the brake, the car started creeping forward on its own without me pressing the accelerator! At first I panicked and immediately hit the brakes to stop, but my friend told me this is the normal creep function. Later when practicing in the neighborhood, I used this feature frequently - stopping and starting became much easier without constantly needing to press the accelerator or shift gears. Though the creep speed is quite slow, only about a few kilometers per hour. Over-reliance on it when exiting garages might risk rear-end collisions. If the car battery or alternator has issues, the creep function may weaken or disappear, requiring prompt inspection. Now that I'm accustomed to it, I find this automatic transmission feature really considerate - it saves much effort and offers more flexible control, especially when navigating through urban areas.
