Shift Gear First or Release Handbrake First?
2 Answers
Shift into gear first and then release the handbrake. This prevents the vehicle from rolling and avoids sudden acceleration due to operational errors, which could lead to traffic accidents. Therefore, when starting the vehicle, always check the handbrake's status first. If the handbrake has already been released prematurely, press the foot brake. The correct method for applying the handbrake is: 1. Press the handbrake button before pulling it; 2. Apply gentle force when pulling the handbrake; 3. Pull the handbrake up to about 70%—pulling it all the way to the top will shorten the lifespan of the handbrake cable. The dangers of forgetting to engage the handbrake while driving include: 1. The brake pump cannot provide sufficient braking force, causing the engine to stall; 2. Accelerated wear on the brake discs and hardening of the brake pads due to friction heat; 3. Stretching of the handbrake cable; 4. Leakage of brake cylinder fluid, leading to brake failure.
As a veteran driver with over a decade of experience, I strictly adhere to the sequence of shifting gears before releasing the handbrake. When starting the car, pressing the brake and shifting into drive before releasing the handbrake prevents the vehicle from rolling back, especially on slopes—I once got it wrong on a steep hill and nearly hit the car behind me! For parking, it's the reverse: engage the handbrake before shifting into park. This practice protects the transmission from excessive wear and prevents brake system overheating that could lead to accidents. Remember: Developing good habits saves more money than repairs. New drivers should start practicing on flat roads first.
