Manual Transmission Car: Shift Gear First or Release Handbrake First?
2 Answers
Manual transmission car should shift gear first. Whether to press the brake when starting a manual transmission depends on different situations: uphill starts require pressing the brake, while flat ground starts do not. Correct operation for manual transmission start: Insert the key, turn on the ignition switch, start the engine; press the clutch pedal, shift the gear lever into 1st gear, release the parking brake lever, press the accelerator, and release the clutch to start. Changing gear ratio: Manual transmissions use a manual shift mechanical transmission to adjust speed. By manually moving the gear lever to change the gear meshing position inside the transmission, the gear ratio is altered to achieve speed change. The components of a manual shift mechanical transmission are: power input shaft, power output shaft, and transmission gears.
When I first started learning manual transmission, I was quite confused about the sequence. The instructor repeatedly emphasized: after pressing the clutch and brake pedals, first engage the gear, such as first gear or reverse, then slowly release the clutch while simultaneously releasing the handbrake. Especially on a slope, there was one time I directly released the handbrake, and the car rolled backward without being in gear, almost hitting a wall—a profound lesson. Now I'm used to engaging the gear first to provide additional braking, avoiding the risk of rolling. Daily practice is crucial; find an open space to try a few times to feel the clutch engagement. Developing safe habits can save on repair costs—definitely don't learn from my early mistakes. Driving is like the rhythm of life; taking it step by step is more reliable.
