Will the car move when releasing the brake in an automatic transmission?
3 Answers
Releasing the brake in an automatic transmission does not necessarily make the car move. Typically, the vehicle will move when the gear is in D (Drive), R (Reverse), or L (Low) position after releasing the brake, but it won't move in N (Neutral) or P (Park) position. 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. Common gear positions in an automatic transmission car from top to bottom are: P (Park) for parking and starting, R (Reverse) for backing up, N (Neutral) for freewheeling, D (Drive) for forward movement (also called driving gear), S (Sport) for sport mode, L (Low) for low-speed driving, and OD (Overdrive) for high-speed cruising. Important notes for starting an automatic transmission car: Always move the gear selector to the intended driving position before pressing the accelerator pedal.
When I first started learning to drive an automatic transmission, I was a bit puzzled. Holding the brake while in Drive (D) gear, as soon as I released my foot, the car actually moved on its own, slowly creeping forward. At first, I was surprised—how could it move without pressing the accelerator? Later, I understood that this is how automatic transmissions are designed, with idle thrust pushing the wheels. If shifted to Neutral (N) or Park (P), it's different; releasing the brake won't make it move. When starting on a slope, it's best to lightly press the brake in advance to avoid rolling backward. I remember one time in a parking garage, releasing the brake too quickly almost made me bump into the car in front; since then, I've made it a habit to check the rearview mirror before releasing the brake to ensure safety. Once you get used to it, it feels really convenient, especially in traffic jams—no need to frequently operate the clutch, making driving more relaxed and smoother.
Having driven automatic transmission cars for years, I fully understand that vehicle movement after releasing the brake is normal. When in Drive (D) or Reverse gear, releasing the brake activates the idle propulsion mechanism, allowing the car to start moving slowly - a quite user-friendly design that simplifies driving operations. However, beginners should note that on steep slopes, the car might slightly roll backward when brakes are released; gently applying the throttle can help stabilize it. I also recommend checking the dashboard before starting to ensure correct gear selection; occasionally people forget they're in Neutral (N) and mistake the lack of movement for a malfunction. During daily commutes, this feature makes starting effortless, but never compromise on safety - especially on rainy slippery roads, control your speed after brake release and avoid sudden acceleration to prevent accidents.
