Should the Brake Be Pressed or Released When Shifting Gears?
3 Answers
When shifting gears, there is no need to keep pressing the brake. During gear shifting, the clutch and accelerator should be coordinated properly. Press the clutch all the way down, then release the accelerator pedal, and quickly shift to the corresponding gear. After shifting, release your hand immediately and avoid keeping it on the gear lever for too long, as this can easily damage the lever. Precautions for gear shifting: 1. Avoid driving in low gear for extended periods: Prolonged low-speed driving results in low speed but high RPM, covering less distance per unit of time, which relatively increases fuel consumption. Therefore, it is recommended to shift to a higher gear as soon as possible after starting the vehicle, unless it is a cold start in low temperatures. High gears are more fuel-efficient than low gears. 2. Avoid downshifting without revving: When downshifting in gears with a synchronizer, you can downshift without revving by pressing the clutch once, but this can cause excessive wear and early damage to components. Therefore, it is recommended to use the double-clutching method and rev once when downshifting, regardless of whether the vehicle has a synchronizer. 3. Avoid veering off course when shifting gears: Many people shift gears with their right hand while pulling the steering wheel downward with their left hand, causing the vehicle to drift toward the center of the road or cross lanes. This is very dangerous. For safety, never operate the vehicle in this manner.
Whether to press or release the brake when shifting gears is a common question. After years of driving, I believe it depends on whether you're driving an automatic or manual transmission. For automatic transmissions, when shifting gears such as from Park (P) to Reverse (R) or Drive (D), you must keep the brake pedal pressed. Otherwise, the gear lever will lock and prevent movement, avoiding the danger of the car accidentally rolling away. For manual transmissions, when stationary—such as before starting or on a slope—you should also press the brake to stabilize the car and prevent rolling. However, during normal driving shifts like upshifting for acceleration or downshifting for deceleration, you only need to press the clutch and avoid touching the brake, as it can interfere with power delivery and become dangerous. I recommend developing the habit of fully pressing the brake before starting the car or shifting gears when parked to ensure safety. A quick tip: in winter conditions with icy roads or on steep slopes, using the handbrake in combination provides extra stability—don’t overlook these small habits, as they can prevent major accidents. Remember, safety always comes first—don’t cut corners while driving, and always double-check.
When I first started learning to drive, I was also troubled by this issue. The instructor repeatedly emphasized that gear shifting and braking should be done according to different scenarios. For automatic transmissions, you must press the brake pedal when shifting to any gear, otherwise the car won't respond. Like the first time I tried shifting to D without pressing the brake, the car didn't move at all, which was quite embarrassing. For manual transmissions, when shifting while stationary, such as waiting at a red light, you should press the brake to prevent rolling. But when shifting while driving, like on the highway, you just press the clutch and release the accelerator without touching the brake. I found that practicing the transition from neutral to drive during the beginner stage makes it easier to get the hang of it. Additionally, when starting on a slope, press the brake while engaging the clutch to avoid rolling backward—this is a fundamental step for safe driving. Take it one step at a time, practice steadily, and don't rush. Remember, the brake is key to controlling the car. Ensuring it's pressed before shifting guarantees a smooth start with fewer mistakes. Accumulate experience, and you'll soon master the rhythm—simple and effective.
