Eli5 Why do cars move at all when in drive without the accelerator being used. I’m not talking cruise control.

Question

Eli5 Why do cars move at all when in drive without the accelerator being used. I’m not talking cruise control.

In: 42

Answer 1

With manual transmission:

When you start the car and stop pressing the accelerator the car will automatically maintain minimum revolutions of motor, so that it doesn’t ‘die’ when you are waiting for red light or something. So when you shift into the first gear, start moving and then release the accelerator the engine will try to maintain the idling rpm by automatically maintaining the flow of fuel and air necessary.