Should You Engage the Handbrake or Shift Gear First When Starting?
4 Answers
The correct procedure when starting is to shift into gear first and then release the handbrake. The proper steps for starting are: 1. After getting into the car, shift the gear lever into the starting gear; 2. Sound the horn, turn on the turn signal, and observe the front, sides, and rearview mirrors to check for any pedestrians or vehicles approaching from behind; 3. Check for any obstacles that might hinder starting, paying special attention to safety; 4. Firmly hold the steering wheel, activate the left turn signal, and release the parking brake lever. The reason for shifting into gear before releasing the handbrake is to prevent the vehicle from rolling backward. If the handbrake is released first, the car will be in neutral for a period before shifting into gear. Additionally, when starting, you may not know whether the ground is level. If it is inclined, the car in neutral may roll backward, potentially leading to an accident.
I've found that the sequence of starting operations is quite important—you should shift into gear before releasing the handbrake. As a parent who drives my kids to and from school every day, I remember once starting on a slope and, in a hurry, I released the handbrake first, causing the car to roll back and nearly hit someone. Since then, I've developed a habit: after starting the car, I first press the brake to ensure safety, then shift into drive or reverse, wait for the engine to respond steadily, and then gently release the handbrake. This can prevent rollback accidents, especially on slopes in residential areas or parking lots—situations where beginners might panic. Developing this good habit not only protects the vehicle's braking system but also enhances driving safety. I recommend practicing it a few times daily until it becomes second nature.
From a safety perspective, I believe prioritizing gear engagement before releasing the handbrake is crucial. As a long-distance driver, I particularly emphasize this sequence on mountain roads or inclined sections, as prematurely releasing the handbrake might lead to loss of vehicle control or increased sliding risks. In actual operation, I first start the engine to ensure everything functions normally, then engage the gear to confirm power connection, and only finally release the parking brake. This ensures stable starts on curves or steep slopes. Developing this routine can reduce emergency braking frequency, protect tire and brake disc longevity, and benefit long-term maintenance.
As a seasoned manual transmission driver, I'm accustomed to depressing the clutch and engaging the gear before releasing the handbrake when starting off. While this might not pose issues on flat terrain, neglecting the proper sequence on steep slopes or during rain/snow conditions could lead to vehicle rollback and minor accidents. I've adhered to this routine for years in daily driving - just a few simple steps that prevent unnecessary troubles and ensure smooth starts. Developing good habits also benefits vehicle maintenance by reducing extra stress on components.
