Do You Need to Press the Brake When Starting the Car?
3 Answers
Starting the car requires pressing the brake. The techniques for starting a manual transmission car are as follows: 1. Precautions when starting the vehicle: Before ignition, first press the clutch and brake pedals, and confirm that the gear is in neutral, then start the engine. This protective measure is mainly to prevent the vehicle from losing control due to starting in neutral. 2. Precautions when the vehicle starts: The key to starting lies in controlling the clutch. When you slowly release the clutch after pressing it, the engine and transmission begin to engage, and you will feel the vehicle has a tendency to move forward. As a beginner, you need to adapt to the different power engagement points of each car. If the clutch control is unstable at this time, the vehicle may stall. In this case, quickly press the clutch and shift to neutral, then press the brake and restart the vehicle.
With over a decade of driving experience, I've learned that pressing the brake when starting the car is crucial. This is especially true for automatic transmission vehicles, as shifting gears without braking can cause unintended movement, leading to accidents or damage. For instance, when starting in parking lots or on slopes, failing to firmly press the brake can result in the car rolling backward or lurching forward, which is highly unsafe. I've developed a daily habit: sit in the driver's seat, press the brake with my right foot, then start the engine, shift to D, and slowly release the brake to move forward. The same applies to manual transmissions—starting requires coordinating the clutch and brake to engage first gear. This simple action prevents many hazards, particularly on crowded city roads or slippery conditions. Many modern cars now have safety features that only allow gear shifting when the brake is pressed. In short, this isn't just an operational requirement but also a matter of responsibility. Drive steadily, and don’t forget this small detail before starting—it ensures safe and worry-free trips.
When I first started learning to drive, I was really confused about why you had to press the brake to start the car. The instructor patiently explained that it's to prevent the vehicle from rolling. In an automatic transmission car, when shifting from P (Park) to D (Drive), if you don't press the brake, the engine power is directly transmitted, causing the car to move on its own, which could easily lead to hitting objects or people. For manual transmission cars, you also need to press the clutch while controlling the brake to stabilize the vehicle when starting. I experienced it myself once when I forgot to press the brake and almost rolled backward on a slope—it was terrifying. Later, I understood that this is a fundamental safety practice to avoid the risk of losing control. Now, no matter what car I drive, I always remember: after getting in, place my right foot on the brake before starting, whether on flat ground or a slope. Developing this habit has made driving much more reassuring, especially when taking my kids out. Everyone can start with the basics; a few more practices will naturally turn it into a reflex.
