Should You Engage the Handbrake or Shift Gears First When Starting?
3 Answers
When starting, first shift gears and then engage the handbrake. For automatic transmission vehicles, the safer starting method is to first press the foot brake, then shift into D gear, release the handbrake, and finally release the foot brake. Pressing the accelerator will then complete the start. Some models use an electronic handbrake, which automatically disengages when the accelerator is pressed. Automatic transmission typically refers to the car's automatic gear-shifting mechanism, where the control system of the automatic transmission selects the appropriate gear based on the engine's speed and load, replacing the driver's subjective judgment and gear-shifting operations. Manual transmission, also known as MT, requires manually moving the gear lever to change the gear engagement mechanism inside the transmission, altering the gear ratio to achieve speed variation.
As someone who just started learning to drive, I had similar confusion. The first step after getting in the car is to press the brake pedal firmly to ensure the vehicle is stable and stationary. Then check if the gear is in P (Park) or N (Neutral). If everything is fine, start the engine directly. Shifting gears comes after starting—for example, shifting from P to D (Drive) to move forward. Finally, release the handbrake to let the car move. When parking, especially on a slope, it's advisable to engage the handbrake in advance for a safer start. Remember to develop this habit to prevent rollback accidents, especially for new drivers; practice a few times and it will become natural. If you forget the sequence, the dashboard will remind you, but don’t rely on it. Simply put, ensuring everything is stable before starting the engine is key, while shifting gears and releasing the handbrake come afterward.
Having driven for many years, I find the starting sequence quite flexible, but safety is the bottom line. On flat ground, I usually press the brake and start the engine with the gear in P, letting the automatic system handle everything. After starting, I shift gears and release the handbrake to drive off. However, if parked on a steep slope, I engage the handbrake firmly before starting the engine to prevent any movement caused by vibration. Shifting gears is done after starting—no rush. Occasionally, I've forgotten to engage the handbrake in parking lots, causing slight vehicle movement, but quick reactions saved the day. My advice: ensure the brake is pressed and the gear is correct before starting; adjust other actions as needed. Developing consistent habits makes things much easier.
