Can You Pull the Handbrake in First Gear?
2 Answers
You cannot pull the handbrake in first gear; you must shift to neutral before pulling the handbrake. Below are some precautions regarding vehicle operation: 1. Pre-departure inspection: Conduct a comprehensive check of your vehicle before setting off each day, including checking for oil or water leaks, measuring tire pressure to ensure it is appropriate, inspecting the engine oil condition to verify its color is normal and the oil level is correct. 2. Safe driving: Always use seat belts correctly. In the event of a severe collision, seat belts provide protection no less effective than airbags. Avoid driving while fatigued; take a break every 2 hours. 3. Follow traffic rules: Especially on highways, do not speed. Speeding not only risks fines from traffic police but, more importantly, is unsafe.
As an experienced manual transmission driver, I find it quite common to engage first gear and pull the handbrake, especially when parking on slopes. This prevents the car from rolling backward. If you rely solely on the handbrake, the car might roll back on steep slopes or with older vehicles that have less effective brakes. Engaging first gear essentially locks the wheels with the transmission, providing a double safety measure. However, it's crucial to remember that when starting the car, you must first press the clutch and shift to neutral. Forgetting to disengage the gear before ignition can cause the car to lurch forward, leading to accidents or damage to the clutch and transmission. I recommend developing good driving habits: always use the handbrake when parking and add first gear on slopes. The first thing after getting in the car should be checking if the gear is in neutral to avoid startup failures or sudden movements. This practice saves a lot of trouble, ensures safer and more reliable driving, and aligns with standard automotive operating procedures.
