Should You Engage the Handbrake or Shift Gears First in an Automatic Transmission Car?

[Lawson]

When starting the car, for an automatic transmission, you should shift gears first and then engage the handbrake. The safest way to start an automatic transmission car is to first press the foot brake, then shift into D gear, release the handbrake followed by the foot brake, and finally press the accelerator to complete the start. Some models use an electronic handbrake, which will automatically disengage as soon as the accelerator is pressed. Below is more information about the handbrake: 1. The handbrake primarily functions by activating the braking system to secure the vehicle. When starting, shifting gears first and then engaging the handbrake allows the car to start in a stable condition. 2. When parking, you should first engage the handbrake and then shift into P gear. In this scenario, the braking work is completed by the braking system, with the P gear mainly serving as an auxiliary function, allowing the internal components to be in a completely relaxed state, thereby better maintaining the car's parts and preventing excessive wear. 3. The gears in an automatic transmission are relatively simple: D gear is for driving forward, R gear is for reversing, N gear is neutral, and P gear is for parking.