If the accelerator sticks and you need to stop quickly, you should first apply the brakes and shift to:
A Park
B. Neutral.
C. A lower gear.
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is B. Neutral.
When the accelerator sticks, the engine may continue to rev higher, and the vehicle will accelerate uncontrollably. In this situation, the primary goal is to regain control of the vehicle and reduce the speed safely. Here’s why shifting to neutral is the best first step:
- Stopping the Acceleration: By shifting to neutral, the engine is disconnected from the drivetrain, which prevents it from continuing to increase the speed. This helps in reducing the power being sent to the wheels, allowing the car to coast instead of accelerating. This is crucial when the accelerator is stuck.
- Controlling the Brakes: While applying the brakes, you can now reduce the car’s speed more effectively without fighting the engine’s power. In a situation where the engine is still engaged, pressing the brake pedal might be less effective due to the engine’s power pushing against the brakes.
- Avoiding Transmission Damage: Shifting to Park or a Lower Gear is not advisable immediately because doing so could cause damage to the transmission or cause the engine to stall. Park locks the transmission, preventing movement, which may lead to unsafe situations when you are still in motion. A Lower Gear could increase engine RPM, making the situation worse rather than helping you stop.
- Focus on Stopping Safely: After shifting to neutral, focus on bringing the vehicle to a safe stop, either by using the brakes or pulling over to the side of the road. Once stopped, you can turn off the engine or attempt to resolve the issue with the accelerator.
In summary, shifting to neutral is the safest and most effective way to control the vehicle when the accelerator is stuck, ensuring you have both braking and engine control to stop the vehicle without further risk.