Should You Engage the Gear or Release the Handbrake First When Starting?
2 Answers
When starting, you should engage the gear first and then release the handbrake. If you release the handbrake first while the vehicle is still in neutral, there is a risk of the car rolling backward. Engaging the gear first provides traction, preventing the car from rolling. Tips for using car gears: 1. Do not keep your hand on the gear shift lever for extended periods while driving; 2. Start the car in 1st or 2nd gear; 3. Shift gears fully by pressing the clutch pedal all the way down; 4. If the vehicle shakes under high load, downshift by 1 or 2 gears; 5. Coordinate the clutch and throttle when shifting—press the clutch pedal fully, release the throttle pedal, and quickly shift to the appropriate gear.
Hey, as an experienced driver who has driven many cars, I must say never shift into gear first when starting off. I remember being confused when I first started driving too—I engaged the gear before releasing the handbrake on a slope, and the car instantly rolled forward, nearly hitting a wall. The correct procedure is: fully release the handbrake first, let the car move freely, then shift into first gear (for manual transmission) or D gear (for automatic), and gently press the accelerator to start. This prevents unexpected rolling, especially on slopes. New drivers often overlook this, thinking the actions are similar, but the risks are significant—like driving with the handbrake engaged, which wears out brake pads and can even damage the engine over time. Make it a habit to check the handbrake status before starting the car every time—ensure safety before operating.
