Will an Automatic Car Move Without Pressing the Accelerator?
2 Answers
An automatic car will move without pressing the accelerator, a phenomenon commonly referred to as automatic creep. Regardless of how quickly the driver releases the brake when starting, the vehicle will not stall. This enhanced convenience is achieved through the torque converter inside the automatic transmission. The torque converter is located between the engine and the transmission, occupying the position where the clutch would be in a manual transmission. An automatic transmission eliminates the need for the driver to manually shift gears, as the vehicle automatically selects the appropriate gear based on driving speed and traffic conditions. Typically, automatic cars have six gear positions, arranged from top to bottom as: P, R, N, D, S, L.
I've been driving automatic transmission cars for over a decade. It's common for the vehicle to move slowly without pressing the accelerator, mainly due to the power provided by engine idle speed. Typically, when in D (Drive) gear on flat ground, the car will coast automatically. The idle speed ranges between 700 to 1000 RPM, which can support the vehicle moving at very low speeds—especially convenient in parking lots or when starting. However, on steep slopes, a light press on the accelerator might be needed for assistance. While driving, always be prepared to brake to prevent moving too fast or losing control, particularly when parking on slopes where the car might roll if the brake isn't applied, posing a safety risk. In summary, this is a normal phenomenon, but don't rely on it entirely. Practice more to improve control.
