Should You Engage the Handbrake or Shift Gears First?
2 Answers
When starting the vehicle, you should first shift into gear and then release the handbrake. The correct operating procedure when starting is: after getting into the car, shift the gear lever into the starting gear, sound the horn, turn on the turn signal, while observing the front, sides, and rearview mirrors to check for any pedestrians or vehicles passing behind, ensuring there are no obstacles to starting. Pay special attention to safety, 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 when starting is to prevent the vehicle from rolling backward. If the handbrake is released first, the vehicle will be in neutral for a period before shifting into gear. Moreover, when starting, the driver may not know if the ground is level. If it's inclined, the car may roll backward in neutral, potentially causing an accident.
I recommend strictly following the safety rules for the parking and starting sequence. When parking, I always step on the brake to come to a complete stop first, then shift to P or neutral gear, and finally engage the parking brake firmly. This prevents the vehicle from rolling and protects the transmission. For starting, the sequence is reversed: start the engine while pressing the brake, shift to drive or reverse gear, and then gradually release the parking brake. This order helps prevent rollback accidents, especially crucial when parking on slopes. If the sequence is reversed, the vehicle might lose control at the moment of starting, creating a hazard. I've also found similar rules apply to manual transmission cars, and developing this habit makes driving more reassuring. Additionally, it's important to regularly check if the parking brake cable has proper tension to ensure it functions effectively when needed. Don't underestimate this detail—it can prevent a lot of trouble.
