Release the Handbrake First or Shift Gears First?
2 Answers
Both automatic and manual transmissions should follow the same starting sequence: shift into gear first, then release the handbrake. Relevant details are as follows: 1. Automatic Transmission: Automatic transmissions can be categorized into CVT, AT, dual-clutch, etc. Among them, CVT and AT use a torque converter to transmit engine power to the transmission, while dual-clutch transmissions transmit power through friction plates similar to manual transmissions. 2. Start as Soon as Possible: If you engage the gear without releasing the handbrake, all the power output by the engine will be absorbed by the torque converter, causing its temperature to rise sharply. Prolonged exposure to this condition can burn out the torque converter. For dual-clutch transmissions, after engaging the gear, the clutch friction plates will be in a semi-engaged state. Prolonged semi-engagement can lead to burning out the friction plates, so it is necessary to start as soon as possible.
I always engage the gear before releasing the handbrake when driving, a habit repeatedly emphasized by my driving instructor. Especially when parked on a slope, releasing the handbrake first can easily cause the car to roll backward, which is particularly dangerous. By first shifting into D or R gear, the engine and transmission are engaged, and then releasing the handbrake ensures a stable start. I remember once in a steep underground mall parking lot, a novice driver in front of me released the handbrake first, causing their car to roll back half a meter, nearly hitting my bumper. The same principle applies to manual transmissions: first press the clutch, shift into first gear, partially engage the clutch to the biting point, and only then release the handbrake. This practice is not only safer but also protects the transmission by avoiding sudden force impacts.
