Do You Need to Press the Brake When Starting in a Manual Transmission Car?

[OElle]

For starting a manual transmission car, you don't need to press the brake if you're on flat ground. However, when starting on a slope, it's best to press the brake to prevent the car from rolling back. For automatic transmission cars, the correct method requires pressing the brake. Before stopping, gently press the brake to reduce speed, then release it, and press the brake once more. Below is an introduction to the correct method for starting a manual transmission car: 1. Insert the key, turn on the ignition, and start the engine. Press the clutch pedal, shift into first gear, observe the surroundings to ensure safety, and then release the handbrake. Lift the clutch pedal quickly until the engine sound becomes lower, then slow down the lifting speed. When the car body slightly vibrates, pause the clutch pedal, add a little throttle, slowly lift the clutch pedal, and then gradually increase the throttle to achieve a smooth start. 2. Press the brake twice before stopping. When encountering a situation that requires stopping while driving, don't press the brake abruptly and hold it. The correct approach is to gently press the brake to reduce the speed, then release it. When the speed is relatively slow, press the brake again to significantly reduce the impact force when stopping.

[DelJanelle]

I've been driving manual transmission cars since the 1990s and have accumulated years of on-road experience. When starting off and shifting gears, pressing the brake isn't a mandatory action. The basic steps are to depress the clutch pedal, shift into first gear, then gradually release the clutch while gently applying some throttle to get the car moving. If you're starting on level ground, pressing the brake is an unnecessary step - when the vehicle is stationary, the brake only affects stopping power and doesn't interact with the transmission. However, special attention is needed when starting on an incline, where you might need to use the footbrake in coordination with the clutch to prevent rolling back. This is exactly how I teach my students - they often confuse it with automatic transmission habits thinking the brake must be pressed, when in reality the clutch is key. Mastering its control can prevent stalling and protect component lifespan. With practice comes proficiency. Driving manual transmissions long-term gives you greater freedom, without worrying about accidental operations damaging the system.