The most direct way to stop an automatic engine is by pressing the foot brake pedal until the car comes to a complete halt, which, in many modern vehicles, will trigger an automatic engine shutdown or put it into an idle state.
Stopping the Vehicle and Initiating Engine Shutdown
When driving an automatic transmission vehicle, the primary method for stopping is through the use of the foot brake pedal. Cars with automatic transmissions are designed to shut down their engines, or at least enter an idle state, upon braking to a full stop. This shutdown process is specifically activated by pressing the foot brake pedal when the car comes to a halt. This action signals to the vehicle's systems that motion has ceased, prompting the engine to respond accordingly.
Step-by-Step for a Controlled Stop
Follow these steps for a smooth and effective stop in an automatic vehicle:
- Ease Off the Accelerator: Begin by lifting your foot from the accelerator pedal. This will allow the car to naturally slow down.
- Press the Foot Brake Smoothly: Move your foot to the brake pedal and apply gradual, firm pressure. Avoid sudden, harsh braking unless it's an emergency.
- Bring the Car to a Full Stop: Continue applying the foot brake until the vehicle comes to a complete standstill.
- Engine Response: Once stationary, the engine will either shut down (if your car has a stop-start system) or settle into a low idle, ready for you to release the brake and accelerate again.
Important Considerations for Engine Shutdown
The method you use to bring the car to a stop significantly impacts whether the engine will shut down automatically (beyond just idling).
Using the foot brake pedal for the final halt is crucial for the engine to register a full stop. For instance, if the car is slowed initially by manually manipulating the automatic gearbox (e.g., using paddle shifters to downshift) and the final stoppage is achieved solely by engaging the handbrake, the engine will not shut down, but rather continue to run at idle. Always use the foot brake to ensure the engine enters its appropriate stopped or idle state.
Braking Methods and Engine Response
| Braking Method | Engine Response at Full Stop | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Foot Brake Pedal (Primary Method) | Shuts down (with stop-start system) or idles at low RPM. | Recommended for all stops; triggers proper engine management. |
| Manual Gearbox Slowing + Handbrake for Final Stop | Engine continues to run at idle. | Not recommended for bringing the car to a complete stop and expecting shutdown. |
Parking and Turning Off the Engine Completely
To fully turn off an automatic engine for parking or exiting the vehicle, follow these additional steps after bringing the car to a complete stop with the foot brake:
- Shift to Park (P): While still pressing the foot brake, move the gear selector to the "P" (Park) position. This locks the transmission, preventing the car from rolling.
- Engage the Parking Brake: Apply the parking brake (also known as the handbrake or emergency brake). This provides an additional layer of security, especially on inclines. Learn more about its importance from resources like the Automotive Safety Council.
- Turn Off the Ignition: Turn the ignition key to the "OFF" position or press the "Engine Start/Stop" button to fully power down the engine and vehicle systems.
- Remove Key (if applicable): Once the engine is off, you can remove the key from the ignition.
Modern Engine Stop-Start Systems
Many contemporary automatic cars feature an "Engine Stop-Start" system. This technology automatically turns off the engine when the vehicle comes to a stop (e.g., at a traffic light) and restarts it almost instantly when the driver releases the brake pedal. This feature is designed to conserve fuel and reduce emissions. While these systems manage engine shutdown automatically, the initial action of pressing the foot brake pedal to halt the vehicle remains the trigger. For more details on this technology, refer to a Vehicle Maintenance Guide.
Practical Tips for Stopping
- Smoothness is Key: Practice smooth and gradual braking to ensure comfort and extend the life of your brake components.
- Anticipate Stops: Look ahead in traffic to anticipate when you might need to slow down or stop, allowing for gentle deceleration.
- Always Use the Foot Brake: Even when parking, use the foot brake to hold the vehicle steady before engaging "Park" and the parking brake.
