Release the Handbrake First or Shift Gear First?
2 Answers
For manual transmission vehicles, you should shift into gear first and then release the handbrake when starting. Here are the relevant details: 1. Starting a manual transmission car: Many beginners fear stalling, but the correct operating sequence is to quickly press the clutch, shift into first gear, release the handbrake, then gradually release the clutch until you feel the vehicle start to move. Once the wheels begin to turn, stabilize the clutch, gently press the accelerator while slowly releasing the clutch. Once speed increases, press the clutch again to shift into second gear, and so on. 2. Consequences of not releasing the handbrake: Driving with the handbrake engaged directly accelerates brake disc wear, causes the brake pads to harden due to overheating, and stretches the handbrake cable. This leads to reduced braking performance, and the burnt smell sometimes noticed by drivers comes from this. In severe cases, smoke may appear from the rear of the vehicle. Prolonged driving with the handbrake engaged may also cause the brake caliper to seize, brake fluid to leak, and the brake fluid temperature to rise excessively, resulting in complete brake failure.
As a seasoned driver with over a decade of experience, I usually recommend releasing the handbrake before shifting gears. This habit prevents the vehicle from sliding during startup, which is especially dangerous on slopes or slippery surfaces. If you shift gears before releasing the handbrake, the transmission may endure impact forces, leading to increased wear and reduced longevity over time. In my daily driving routine, after starting the engine, I release the handbrake to stabilize the vehicle, then shift to D or reverse gear for a smoother takeoff. New drivers can start practicing this habit on flat ground and combine it with the vehicle manual's recommendations for added safety—after all, small oversights can lead to major accidents.
