Press the Clutch First or Release the Handbrake First?
3 Answers
When driving a manual transmission car, you should first press the clutch to engage the gear, and then release the handbrake before starting the car. It is important to note that, whether it is an automatic or manual transmission model, the handbrake must always be released last. Below are the relevant explanations: 1. Engage the gear first and then release the handbrake: The main reason is that once the gear is engaged, the power transmission path in the transmission is connected, generating significant torque. If the brakes are not properly applied, the car may suddenly lurch forward, which is very dangerous. The handbrake serves as a double safety measure. 2. Not releasing the handbrake after engaging the gear: All the power output by the engine will be absorbed by the torque converter, causing its temperature to rise sharply. Prolonged operation under these conditions can lead to the torque converter overheating and burning out.
As a seasoned manual transmission driver with over a decade of experience, I've always insisted on pressing the clutch before releasing the handbrake—this habit is now second nature to me. When the car is stationary, if you release the handbrake first, even a slight incline or uneven ground could cause the car to roll, potentially leading to minor collisions with other vehicles or, worse, serious accidents, especially in crowded parking lots or on steep slopes. Pressing the clutch disengages the engine from the wheels, reducing the load on the vehicle, making it much safer to release the handbrake afterward. Remember, the complete procedure for starting a manual transmission car is: press the clutch, shift into first gear, release the handbrake, gradually release the clutch while applying throttle. This not only prevents stalling but also minimizes wear on the transmission. New drivers should never cut corners—develop good habits starting with these details. Safety always comes first; don't let your car turn into an uncontrollable beast.
When I was learning to drive at the driving school, the instructor repeatedly emphasized the sequence of pressing the clutch and releasing the handbrake, calling it the golden rule to avoid stalling. I follow this procedure every day when driving my manual transmission car to work, and it feels more reassuring. For example, last week when I was in a hurry to start at a traffic light, if I accidentally released the handbrake first, the car might slightly roll back or shake, which could be startling, but pressing the clutch ensures stable control. Especially on rainy days with slippery roads or in heavy fog with poor visibility, it's better to keep the car steady before making any moves. A simpler way to operate a manual transmission is to treat the clutch as a safety lock—only release the handbrake after disengaging it. Don’t imitate those experienced drivers who casually change the sequence. Also, remember to lightly press the accelerator after each stop to confirm the engine’s response. These small habits add up to make driving much safer.
