used car test drive

alpha_tngo_echo

Hi All,
I did a test drive on a automatic car yesterday.
Everything seemed fine except that when I would slowly release my foot from the brake there was a small creaking noise coming from the car. I experienced this problem when stuck in traffic and when coming down slowly on a slope.(when I would gently apply the brake and release it)

When I slowed the car during normal driving I didn't hear this noise.

Is this common or is this a serious issue.

I checked engine oil and ATF and the overall engine under the bonnet and everything looked clean.

I am planning to have the car inspected by a mechanic before I sign the deal but thought I should ask for some thoughts.

Thanks.

Saab Ed

Thats exactly what you'd expect it to do if you leave the gear selector in D when you are stopped. Push the selector into N when stopped and this shouldnt happen. When an automatic is in D its always trying to creep forward. What you heard when you started to take your foot off the brake pedal was the exactly this , the car was pushing forward against some resistance from the brakes. I dont think there was anything to worry about there. What type of car was it OP....Any link?

alpha_tngo_echo

It was a 08 Kia Picanto automatic. Sorry don't have a ink.
Thanks for help, appreciate your input. I ma planning to have it inspected by a mechanic from Frank Fahy Garage on long mile road.

wak11935

That's good advice to select N when stopped. If you forget and for some reason take your foot off the brake, or your foot slips off, the car will move forward and bump the car in front. Also saves wear on the clutch .

stephenmarr

@ wak11935
If you forget and for some reason take your foot off the brake, or your foot slips off, the car will move forward and bump the car in front.

how close do you stop to the person in front of you for that to happen

wak11935

It depends on how long your attention is diverted.

rodberg007

alpha_tngo_echo wrote: »

Hi All,
I did a test drive on a automatic car yesterday.
Everything seemed fine except that when I would slowly release my foot from the brake there was a small creaking noise coming from the car. I experienced this problem when stuck in traffic and when coming down slowly on a slope.(when I would gently apply the brake and release it)

I work in the motor trade and this was probably because the car has been sitting in the garage for quite a while and maybe the brake discs were a but rusty from the car not being driven often enough but have your mechanic check it out and advise you accordingly also make sure you get a warranty if you do do the deal.

Pete4779

wak11935 wrote: »

That's good advice to select N when stopped. If you forget and for some reason take your foot off the brake, or your foot slips off, the car will move forward and bump the car in front. Also saves wear on the clutch .

Automatics usually have a torque converter and doesn't directly involve the clutch. Leaving it in Drive is normal.

wak11935

But selecting N and applying the handbrake is safer than keeping your foot on the brake if you are stopped for a few minutes at traffic lights etc.

In a manual car the recommended proceedure would be to take it out of gear with your foot on the brake and then apply the handbrake.

A lot of drivers wait with first gear selected, the clutch depressed and their foot on the brake. Less safe.

In stop and go traffic I suppose foot on the brake is your only man.

Esel

I thought popping it into N in traffic stops increased wear on the torque converter? Best advice is put on the handbrake (red lights, etc.) or depress the brake pedal (stop and go traffic).