Will an automatic transmission car move when in D gear without pressing the accelerator?

[AniyahFitz]

Automatic transmission vehicles will move forward when in D gear without pressing the accelerator. The specific situations are as follows: 1. D gear is the forward gear. It is the most common gear in automatic transmission vehicles, usually located in the middle-rear position of the gear shift console, behind the N gear, designed to automatically select the appropriate gear while the car is moving forward. 2. If driving on an upward slope, without pressing the brake and with a steep slope angle, even if the car is in D gear, it may not move forward and could remain stationary or even roll backward. 3. On a downward slope, without pressing the brake, the car will definitely move forward. 4. If you need to stop and wait, it's best to shift the car into P gear.

[AniyahRose]

I've been driving an automatic transmission car for ten years. After shifting to D (Drive) gear without pressing the accelerator, the car actually moves slowly, which is called the creep effect. When the engine is idling, the torque converter automatically transmits power to the wheels, maintaining a speed of about 5 kilometers per hour, allowing easy movement on flat ground. I rely on this feature to save effort in congested urban areas, as it's particularly comfortable not having to keep my right foot on the accelerator constantly. However, extra caution is needed on slopes: uphill, the creep might be insufficient, causing the car to roll back, while downhill, the car may accelerate, requiring brake control. Beginners might get startled by this, so it's advisable to develop the habit of pressing the brake when shifting gears. If the car doesn't move at all, it could indicate a transmission system issue, such as unstable oil pressure or a faulty sensor, and it's essential to get it checked at a repair shop promptly.

[AlexMarie]

As a parent who often drives with family, I tell my kids that putting the car in D gear without stepping on the gas pedal allows it to creep forward on its own, which is especially useful at red lights or in parking lots. This design makes starting smooth and simple, reducing mistakes when kids are learning to drive. However, don't rely on it entirely for climbing steep hills, as insufficient power can cause stalling or rolling back. I once experienced a near rollback on a mountain road, and since then, I always remind myself to step on the brake to control speed. Regular maintenance is crucial—weakening creep indicates aging transmission fluid or other hidden issues, and periodic fluid changes can prevent major repairs. In my early days, I often made mistakes like rear-ending due to misoperation, but now I find this feature thoughtful, especially in traffic jams where it frees up my feet.

[OAustin]

I drive an automatic transmission car for my daily commute. When I shift to D (Drive) gear and release the brake, the car starts moving slowly like a self-rolling cart without even needing to press the accelerator. This feature is super handy in traffic jams, giving my right foot a relaxing break. On flat roads, it maintains a safe creeping speed of about 4-6 km/h. However, extra caution is needed on slopes: it may struggle to crawl uphill, while downhill it automatically accelerates, requiring early brake control. Basically, this is how normal cars are designed to operate – convenient and smart. If it suddenly stops moving, it might indicate a faulty brake light switch that needs checking.