Should the handbrake be released before or after ignition?
4 Answers
The handbrake should be engaged before igniting the car. Before ignition, you should first depress the clutch. Before braking, you should first apply the foot brake, then depress the clutch, and only after the car has come to a complete stop should you engage the handbrake. Below are the functions of the handbrake: 1. The handbrake is used to keep the car stationary when parked by pulling it up, preventing the car from rolling downhill. While driving, pulling up the handbrake during a turn can create a drifting effect, and in emergencies, the handbrake can serve as a brake. 2. It is used for braking when parking on flat ground or slopes, preventing the car from moving automatically when unattended, thus avoiding traffic accidents.
I've been driving for over a decade and always make it a habit to release the handbrake only after starting the engine. Safety first - if you release the brake before ignition when the engine isn't running, the car might roll away, which is especially dangerous. This is particularly crucial when parked on slopes. After starting the engine, wait for the dashboard lights to go off before gradually releasing the handbrake. This habit has helped me avoid several potential accidents. New drivers often get impatient, but never release the handbrake before ignition - if the car happens to be in neutral, it could roll and hit a tree, causing serious trouble. In cold winters when brake pads tend to freeze, gently tapping the accelerator after ignition will free them up. Remember, developing this small habit makes a big difference in driving safety.
As an ordinary driving enthusiast, I find releasing the handbrake after ignition to be the most reliable method. Releasing the brake before ignition may cause the vehicle to move while not started, posing a high risk of rolling back on slopes. My routine is to start the engine, wait for the idle to stabilize, and then release the handbrake before driving off. This ensures the engine is functioning properly and prevents potential brake failure issues. Don't skip steps in daily operations—releasing the handbrake after ignition allows the car to warm up. Once after rain when the road was slippery, I nearly rolled backward by releasing the brake before ignition—a lesson learned the hard way. In short, releasing the brake after ignition is simple, safe, and hassle-free.
I've seen many cases while repairing cars where releasing the handbrake after ignition is safer. If released before ignition, the vehicle in neutral might slide and cause accidents. Releasing the handbrake after starting the engine ensures better gear engagement and prevents mechanical damage. This is especially important for cold vehicles, as ignition quickly raises temperature to lubricate the brake system. Older cars with aging components particularly require this operation for both safety and part protection. Developing this sequential operation habit saves trouble.
