Should the Brake Be Pressed When Starting the Car?
2 Answers
For manual transmission cars, you don't need to press the brake when starting on flat ground. However, it's best to press the brake when starting on a slope to prevent the car from rolling. For automatic transmission cars, the correct method of starting requires pressing the brake. The reasons for brake noise when not pressing the brake are as follows: 1. Using low-quality or overly hard brake pads: If low-quality or overly hard brake pads are used, they may produce a squeaking sound when they rub against the brake disc during braking. Therefore, it's essential to use high-quality brake pads when replacing them. 2. Presence of sand or foreign objects between the brake pad and brake disc: During normal driving, it's inevitable to encounter some complex road conditions. Due to the unique design of disc brakes, some sand or foreign objects may get between the brake pad and brake disc, which can also cause noise during braking.
After driving for over a decade, I've found that pressing the brake when starting is an essential good habit. For automatic transmission vehicles, failing to press the brake when starting may trigger an engine warning or prevent the car from moving, as the system is designed this way to prevent rolling. Although not mandatory for manual transmissions, pressing the brake provides more stability, especially when starting on slopes to avoid rolling backward. Once, I forgot to press the brake firmly when starting on a steep slope, and the car rolled backward. Fortunately, I quickly engaged the handbrake, avoiding an accident. Developing this habit has significantly reduced driving troubles, protected vehicle components, and minimized clutch wear. In daily city driving, pressing the brake when starting helps me stay more focused, avoiding distractions that could lead to collisions, thereby greatly enhancing safety.