Release the Clutch or Brake First When Starting?
4 Answers
When starting, partially release the clutch before releasing the brake. The steps for starting a car are: 1. Adjust the seat properly to ensure your feet can firmly and comfortably operate the clutch, brake, and accelerator; 2. Engage first gear, fully depress the clutch, and place your right foot on the accelerator ready to go; 3. Lift the clutch with your left foot to about halfway, and release the handbrake promptly when the vehicle starts to vibrate; 4. Tap the accelerator, and as the car begins to move forward, slowly release the clutch, then apply more throttle. Notes for starting: 1. Ensure a smooth and safe start with the correct driving posture, avoiding looking down at mechanical parts, keeping eyes on the road ahead and both sides, and preventing jerking, stalling, or intermittent vibration; 2. Use the clutch pedal, accelerator pedal, and brake pedal appropriately; 3. Select the appropriate gear based on the car's condition, road situation, and gradient.
As a veteran driver with decades of experience driving manual transmissions, I've always believed the key to starting smoothly lies in first releasing the clutch to that delicate engagement point—feeling the car tremble slightly—before releasing the brake while gently pressing the accelerator. This ensures the car moves off steadily, neither rolling back nor stalling. I remember making mistakes in my youth on steep slopes by releasing the brake first, resulting in nerve-wracking rollbacks. Now, experience has taught me that practicing a few times to find that feel is crucial: after ignition, slowly raise the clutch with your left foot until the car responds, then coordinate with your right foot. Especially at crowded intersections or on inclines, this sequence prevents rear-end collisions. I recommend driving more to hone this skill—once it becomes instinct, every start will be as smooth as butter, effortless and safe.
As a complete beginner who just started learning to drive, my instructor kept emphasizing the proper starting sequence: never release the brake pedal in a hurry. You must first gradually release the clutch to the semi-engaged position, wait until the car body starts vibrating, then release the brake while gently applying some throttle. I didn't understand this at first - when I tried releasing the brake first during roadside practice, the car immediately rolled backward, making my palms sweat with panic. After stalling several times, I finally realized this sequence is absolute gospel - clutch first, then coordinate brake and throttle. During practice, I found listening to engine sounds and feeling vibrations helpful; my driving friend also shared that this sequence prevents vehicle instability. With a few days of patient practice, muscle memory will eventually kick in.
Safe driving is the top priority. If the release sequence is confused during starting, it can easily lead to the car rolling backward or stalling, especially on steep slopes or in front of traffic lights, potentially causing accidents. I always follow a simple rule: first release the clutch to find the power engagement point, allowing the car to have a slight pushing sensation before releasing the brake. This keeps the vehicle stable and prevents rolling collisions. I once experienced a scary rollback incident where the car behind almost rear-ended me—a profound lesson. I recommend that novice and elderly drivers focus on this: stability is key. In city driving, this method ensures smooth and safe operation.
