Shift Gear First or Pull Handbrake First?
4 Answers
Shift into gear first, then pull the handbrake. The road surface when parking is not completely level. If you release the handbrake first when starting, it can easily cause the car to roll forward or backward. After getting into the car, shift the gear lever into the starting gear, sound the horn, turn on the turn signal, and observe the front, sides, and rearview mirrors to check for any obstacles that might hinder starting. Pay special attention to safety. Then, firmly hold the steering wheel, activate the left turn signal, and release the parking brake lever. The key to a smooth start lies in the precise coordination between the clutch's half-engagement timing and the accelerator pedal. When releasing the clutch pedal, start slightly faster, but as you approach the point where the engine sound changes and the car body slightly vibrates, pause the clutch pedal briefly at this position. Simultaneously, press the accelerator pedal, then slowly lift your left foot until the clutch is fully released.
As a seasoned driver with ten years of experience, I always emphasize safety first. When parking, the correct sequence should be to firmly press the brake to stop the vehicle, then engage the handbrake to secure the wheels, and finally shift into P (Park) gear. This prevents the transmission from bearing extra pressure when the car slides on a slope, which can lead to premature wear of components. When starting, reverse the operation: press the brake, shift into D (Drive) gear, and then release the handbrake. Developing this habit can prevent rollaway accidents and protect the engine and braking system. Relatedly, automatic transmission cars require this sequence more often in urban areas with frequent starts; manual transmissions are simpler—shift to neutral first, then engage the handbrake when parking. Don’t underestimate this detail. If you forget the handbrake on a slope and the car rolls down, causing injury or damage, not only will repairs be expensive, but you may also face compensation costs.
When I first got my driver's license, I was a bit confused about the sequence and often hesitated whether to shift gears first or pull the handbrake. The instructor repeatedly taught: when parking, use the brake to stop the car, immediately pull the handbrake to lock the wheels, then shift to P position. When starting, press the brake to engage the drive gear, then release the handbrake. It took several practices to get used to it. This sequence ensures stability, especially for nervous beginners, reducing minor troubles caused by misoperation. Relatedly, combined with daily driving, extra caution is needed on downhill slopes or rainy days; once formed as a habit, it also makes parking in traffic more composed.
From a mechanical perspective, it's more reasonable to engage the handbrake first and then shift into gear. Applying the handbrake first allows the braking system to bear the force and secure the wheels, reducing the load on the transmission. If done in reverse, even slight vehicle movement can impact the gears, potentially causing part damage over time that would be expensive to repair. This sequence is especially applicable to automatic transmission vehicles, while manual transmission cars can simply be parked in neutral with the handbrake engaged. The same logic applies when starting the car—reverse the sequence to avoid jerking.
