Shift Gear First or Release Handbrake First?

[Jude]

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.

[OOwen]

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.

[VanGia]

When I first learned to drive, I used to struggle with this, but now I've got the hang of it: with an automatic transmission, shift to D gear before releasing the handbrake, as this allows the engine to connect more smoothly with the wheels. My driving instructor emphasized that engaging the gear before releasing the handbrake reduces jerking and fuel wastage. When parking, reverse the order—pull the handbrake first, then shift to P gear to avoid putting excessive load on the transmission. On a related note, the hill-start assist feature is genuinely useful—I recommend trying it at least once. From personal experience: releasing the handbrake before shifting gears can cause the car to lurch forward suddenly, which can be quite startling.

[DiLandon]

After getting used to driving a manual transmission car, I fully understand the sequence: pull the handbrake and then shift to neutral when parking, and release the clutch, release the foot brake, and then release the handbrake when starting. For automatic transmission cars, you must also shift into gear before releasing the handbrake when starting—the principle is to ensure the engine bears the load evenly to prevent rolling; otherwise, the wheels may roll freely and cause accidents. The actual operation is simple: just slowly release the foot brake after shifting into gear. Remember to check that the brake lights are functioning properly—safety comes first.