One of the first things new automatic drivers notice is "creep" — the tendency of an automatic car in Drive to roll forward slowly at idle, even with no pressure on the accelerator, caused by the torque converter transmitting a small amount of engine power to the wheels. This means you can't simply take your foot off the pedals at a stop the way you might briefly in a manual with the clutch fully engaged in neutral; the brake pedal needs to be actively held down. Creep can actually be useful in slow, stop-start traffic, allowing very gentle forward movement without touching the accelerator at all, but it becomes a hazard if a driver isn't aware of it and lets the car drift forward unintentionally at a stop sign or in a parking situation.
Source: K53 Defensive Driving Manual
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes creep in an automatic car?
The torque converter transmits a small amount of engine power to the wheels even at idle, causing the car to roll forward gently in Drive unless the brake is held.
Is creep dangerous?
It can be if a driver isn't holding the brake at a stop and doesn't realise the car is slowly rolling forward, particularly in traffic or near pedestrians.
Can creep be useful?
Yes — in very slow, stop-start traffic it allows gentle forward movement without touching the accelerator, giving smoother, more controlled progress.
Do all automatic cars creep the same amount?
The exact amount varies between vehicles and transmission types, but the underlying behaviour is common to most conventional torque-converter automatics.