Should the Handbrake Be Released When Starting the Engine?
2 Answers
When starting the engine, the handbrake should be released. Here are some precautions for starting a car: 1. Check the surroundings: Carefully inspect the area around the vehicle, paying attention to whether there are any obstacles under the car or around the body. 2. Warm up the engine: Cold starts require warming up the engine. The warm-up time depends on the temperature, and generally, you can start driving once the idle speed returns to normal. 3. Fasten the seatbelt: Always remember to fasten your seatbelt. The airbag, also known as the supplemental restraint system, will have reduced protective effectiveness if the seatbelt is not fastened. 4. Adjust the mirrors: When adjusting the mirrors, ensure your body is in a natural driving position. Adjust the side mirrors so that the horizon is centered horizontally in the mirror and a small portion of your own vehicle is visible.
As a veteran driver with fifteen years of experience, I'm telling you, you must engage the handbrake when starting the engine! Especially for manual transmission cars, if you release the handbrake to start the engine and the gear isn't in neutral, the car might lurch forward—how dangerous is that? Just last month, I saw a rookie make this mistake in the underground garage and nearly hit the wall. Remember the steps: after parking, firmly engage the handbrake. Next time you start the engine, press the brake pedal, shift to neutral (or 'P' for automatic transmission), and turn the key to happily fire up the engine. Wait for the idle to stabilize, fasten your seatbelt, check the mirrors for safety, then release the handbrake and drive off slowly. This habit is even more crucial for hill starts—otherwise, rolling back could be disastrous.
