Automatics at traffic lights

poppasmurf_bewdley

I had my first automatic car in the late 60's, and I was always told to apply the hand brake and take your foot off the brake pedal at traffic lights.

But when I went to work in the USA, I took my test in Chicago and was told by the examiner to just keep my foot on the brake until the traffic light changes to green and then move my foot to the accelerator.

That's what I have done ever since, and will continue to do, at traffic lights, but for anything longer I usually put the hand brake on and place the box in neutral.

sinbad182

What kind of uptight weirdo gets wound up by people keeping their foot on the brake at traffic lights anyway?!

InsideInsurance

sinbad182 wrote: »

What kind of uptight weirdo gets wound up by people keeping their foot on the brake at traffic lights anyway?!

Some people seem to find the lights too bright for their eyes, particularly at night

sinbad182

Bless the poor little darlings!

InsideInsurance

sinbad182 wrote: »

Bless the poor little darlings!

I know, I am at least partially considerate by having a convertible so my high level brake light is actually almost the same level as the main lights and so less of an issue for the poor dears.

SilverSaloon

i have automatic cars. (mercs)

Live it in Drive (D) and your foot on the brake.

Automatic is just that - you shouldnt be doing manual adjustments on your travels, plus it will probably wear the box quicker.

SilverSaloon

fannyadams wrote: »

Those Poor things... they have my sympathy..
Oh, and I'll STILL beat you off the lights in my manual car (into gear when other lights sequence through amber, handbrake off when we are at red & amber and I'm gone on green, I might even honk you if you're not quick enough! :rotfl:)

(not very MoneySaving alert) - sorry but not against my v8 auto you wouldnt! lol Its a stupid comment anyway since engine size will dictate how much or little acceleration the auto will have against you.

TrickyWicky

Stooby2 wrote: »

I was also taught to apply the handbrake as if you are hit by another car - especially from behind - the brakes are on and your foot comes off the brake the car won't go anywhere.

As I said earlier most handbrakes on autos are useless because while in drive the engine continues propelling the car. Try using the handbrake on an auto while facing downhill!

In reality if something hits you from behind the handbrake isn't going to stop the car moving. Most folks have driven their car with the handbrake still on at some point anyway so that just proves the point. The engine and momentum are simply in the vehicle behind - your handbrake isn't going to stop it.

BeenThroughItAll

Iceweasel wrote: »

It's a 'cornering light' function.

I know that... what I meant was, I can't understand why it exists. I don't have it, and I can see around corners fine at night, using my headlights.

BeenThroughItAll

SilverSaloon wrote: »

(not very MoneySaving alert) - sorry but not against my v8 auto you wouldnt! lol Its a stupid comment anyway since engine size will dictate how much or little acceleration the auto will have against you.

Actually it's not *really* about engine size, is it?

The Americans, for example, are capable of achieving astonishingly small amounts of power from massive V8s, whereas the last 1.6L K-Series I rebuilt produced IRO 150BHP in a car weighing <600KG.