Do You Need to Press the Brake When Starting the Engine?
2 Answers
Both automatic and manual transmission vehicles require pressing the brake when starting the engine. For automatic transmission vehicles, it is impossible to start the engine without pressing the brake. Here are the reasons why pressing the brake is necessary when starting the engine: Preventing Rolling: Due to the design of the vehicle itself, to prevent unexpected situations such as sudden movement or rolling when starting the engine, automatic transmission vehicles are designed to require pressing the brake to start. If the brake is not pressed, the vehicle cannot successfully start. Manual transmission vehicles are also prone to rolling if the brake is not pressed when starting. Safety Considerations: The gear of an automatic transmission vehicle when starting must be in P (Park) or N (Neutral). If starting in N gear without the handbrake engaged, the vehicle may roll. Therefore, the design of "pressing the brake to start" is entirely for safety considerations.
I've driven both manual and automatic transmissions, and the starting procedures are indeed different. Manual transmission cars don't require pressing the brake pedal, but you must depress the clutch pedal to start, which prevents the car from lurching forward if it's in gear. Modern automatic transmission vehicles generally require brake pedal engagement for ignition, especially those with push-button start systems. I remember when I first drove my friend's automatic car, I pressed the start button several times without stepping on the brake and nothing happened - later I understood this safety feature. This mechanism helps prevent accidental movement or rolling caused by misoperation, which is particularly important on slopes. I recommend beginners develop the habit of pressing the brake pedal immediately when getting in the car, as it's safer and more reliable.
