What happens if you press the start button while driving? Most drivers have had this thought from time to time: what happens if we press the Start button while we’re driving? Indeed, some drivers might have tried it, but those who are unaware of its repercussions are not required to try it on their car. Here is an expert’s experience providing comprehensive information on the aspect.
Pressing the start button while driving: what would happen?
In the past, the car would start once the keys were inserted into the ignition point. However, today’s modern car uses the start button for the same function.
Usually, in modern cars, the start button is primarily pressed to start the engine. When the car is already moving, pressing the start button may not have an immediate effect, as the engine is likely already running. But what happens if this button is pressed accidentally while the engine is running? Let’s find out and put an end to your fear here!
The test of pressing the car’s start button while driving on a traffic-free road draws different conclusions at various speeds.
1. Press the start button at low speed
For keyless ignition, when the car is moving at a speed of 5 mph, it can be expected to stop without causing an accident. The reason the car stops is mainly the speed. Because some cars are programmed so that they stop at a certain defined threshold value.
2. Press the start button at highway speed
Now, when trying the same thing, i.e., pressing the start button while driving at a highway speed of at least 55 mph, it is observed that nothing happens. In other words, the car’s program does not obey the instructions or considers them invalid. This feature is mainly designed to avoid damaging your car or any nearby cars. Additionally, a warning message appears in most vehicles, indicating that they do not comply with instructions while in motion.
Nevertheless, one should not play with this feature when the car is moving. In some cases, it can be dangerous, as it may lead to a sudden loss of power steering, power brakes, and other essential systems. This can result in a loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of an accident.
Note: The experiment was conducted by experts in a traffic-free zone.
Other important things to do before playing with the Start button
If, while driving on a busy road, you need to stop the car due to some mechanical problem, first follow the instructions below before immediately jumping to press the start/stop button.
1. Put the car in neutral
To solve the problem of uncontrollable acceleration in manual and automatic cars, put the car in neutral (the letter N) as this will allow the wheels to disengage from the engine. This applies, of course, to both manual and automatic transmissions. This is by far the simplest and quickest way to resolve any issue of uncontrollable and unwanted acceleration.
2. Apply the brakes gently
Without panicking, once the car is in neutral, press the brakes slowly and gently. If you have already put your vehicle in Neutral, you can now brake. So go gently.
3. Inspect the accelerator pedal
Following the two actions above, now try to return the accelerator pedal to its normal position by lifting the tip of your foot. This action is mainly required on older cars where the accelerator is stuck. Remember to always keep your eyes on the road.
If it still doesn’t work, press the start/stop button for 5 seconds. This will surely stop the car immediately.
4. Use your hazard lights
Another thing we must remember is to signal to other car owners that you are having problems. Hazard lights are excellent tools in these scenarios. Remember that the most important priority is to warn them; don’t be afraid to bother them. To be more precise, honk, flash, do whatever you can to tell them.
5. Try to stop the engine at very low speed
If you have already tried all the steps, you have a high chance of stopping the vehicle in a safe place, or at least slowing it down. Now, the engine is the last problem car owners need to deal with. If your car is automatic and you have an automatic transmission, keep it in N mode. Do not switch it to P. In some cases, car owners have a key; just turn it to off. And if you have a Start or Stop button, simply press it or hold it down for three seconds and see what happens.
Final thoughts
In conclusion, pressing the start button while driving can have unexpected consequences and is generally not recommended. To ensure your safety and that of others on the road, it is best to use the start button only as intended, typically when the vehicle is stationary or during the initial startup sequence before driving.