Will the car move when releasing the brake in an automatic transmission?
3 Answers
Automatic transmission cars will move when releasing the brake. Automatic transmission vehicles typically use hydraulic transmission devices to replace the mechanical clutch of manual transmission cars, so there is no clutch pedal. When the engine speed is low, the torque transmitted by the fluid is limited and insufficient to propel the car forward. When the gear lever is placed in the drive position and the brake pedal is released, as the throttle is applied and the engine speed increases, the transmitted torque grows, pushing the car forward. When the driver shifts into D gear, the engine drives the turbine to rotate, and the transmission fluid continuously impacts the turbine, allowing the drive wheels to receive this power. At this point, releasing the brake will cause the car to move forward as long as the driving force exceeds the vehicle's running resistance. Since the torque converter continuously transmits power to the transmission when the engine is running, power is transmitted as soon as the gear is engaged.
I just started learning to drive not long ago, and the first time I encountered an automatic transmission car, when I released the brake, the car moved forward on its own. I was a bit nervous at the time, but the instructor said it was normal. On flat roads, as long as you shift to D (Drive) or forward gear, releasing the brake will make the car move slowly at a low speed, feeling like it's coasting. This is actually the idle function of the automatic transmission, which eliminates the need to press the accelerator. However, if you're on an uphill or slope, releasing the brake might cause the car to roll backward, so beginners need to be careful. It's best to use the handbrake in advance or shift to the hill-start assist gear. In daily driving, this feature makes it easier to control in city traffic jams, but remember not to release the brake at intersections on slopes. Safety should always come first, and when practicing, choose open areas to get familiar with the rhythm.
After driving automatic transmission cars for so many years, I'm quite familiar with this feature: when you release the brake in D gear, the car will definitely start moving on its own. The car creeps forward at idle speed, about 3-5 kilometers per hour, which is quite convenient in traffic jams - just release the brake to follow the car ahead. However, be cautious on slopes; don't get out of the car immediately after releasing the brake, as the car might roll downhill, posing a danger. I recommend shifting to N gear or using the handbrake when necessary. This design is very user-friendly during driving. New drivers don't need to worry - the car won't suddenly lurch forward, and gradually releasing the brake can also prevent stalling issues.
