Should You Engage the Handbrake or Shift Gears First When Starting the Car?

1 Answers
VanClaire
07/25/25 3:57pm
For automatic transmission vehicles, you should shift gears first and then release the handbrake when starting. This is the safest operating sequence. Of course, whether you shift gears first or release the handbrake first will not affect the vehicle's transmission components. The purpose of releasing the handbrake last is to prevent the car from rolling. Below are additional details: Specific steps for starting the car after getting in: Insert the key into the ignition switch, press the brake pedal to start the vehicle, release the brake pedal after the engine starts, wait for 1 minute (this can be extended appropriately in winter to allow the engine to be fully lubricated). During this time, you can fasten your seatbelt, adjust your seat, check the dashboard for any abnormal warnings, and ensure the rearview mirrors provide good visibility. Turn on the necessary lights if needed. Then, press the brake pedal, shift into gear, and finally release the handbrake. After checking the surrounding environment, you can release the brake pedal and prepare to start.
Was this review help?
17
0
Share
More Forum Discussions

What does ETC mean at highway toll booths?

Highway ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) translates to electronic toll collection, which is a non-stop toll collection system. Highways are equipped with one or more ETC lanes. The ETC payment method involves: specialized short-range microwave communication between the vehicle-mounted RFID tag installed on the windshield and the microwave antenna on the ETC lane at the toll station. This is connected to the bank's backend settlement system via software networking technology, allowing vehicles to pass through bridge and highway toll stations without stopping to pay tolls. Banks that install this type of ETC express card operate on a post-payment system. ETC application requirements are as follows: Provide the original and photocopies of the vehicle owner's valid ID card and vehicle registration certificate. The photocopy of the driver's license should include the page with the most recent annual inspection stamp. Complete a postal credit card application form, which will be used to bind the ETC card. After receiving the credit card, swipe it twice and present the POS receipt to a designated postal outlet to receive and install the ETC onboard device for free, with no additional charges. Applicants must be between 18 and 60 years old. The vehicle must be registered under the applicant's name. Here are some considerations for installing ETC: Do not obstruct the driver's view. It is best to install it behind the rearview mirror. Many car models have steeply angled windshields, which can reduce the driver's field of vision. Installing the ETC device without considering this may increase blind spots. Install it on the right side behind the rearview mirror to avoid blocking the view. Avoid interfering with charging. The ETC electronic tag consumes power but generally does not require charging or battery replacement, as it has a built-in solar panel on the back for self-charging. Therefore, during installation, avoid the blackened areas on the windshield and positions that may block the solar panel. Do not remove the device once installed. The adhesive in the middle has an anti-tamper switch. Once installed, the windshield will press this switch in. If the device is removed, the switch will pop out and lock the electronic tag, rendering it unusable. You will then need to visit an ETC service point to unlock it. This mechanism prevents multiple vehicles from sharing one device. When using ETC, note the following: The ETC transaction sensing range is 8 meters. To avoid paying for the vehicle in front due to a faulty ETC device, maintain a distance of at least 10 meters from the vehicle ahead. The ETC lane recognition speed is 20 km/h. Driving too fast may prevent the system from reading the vehicle's information, leading to payment failure. If using a debit card linked to ETC, insufficient balance may also cause payment failure.
16
2
Share

Does Cadillac require the first maintenance in 3 months?

Not necessarily within three months. Generally, since the engine, transmission, etc., of a new car are all brand new, in order to maintain the lifespan of the components, it is stipulated that the first maintenance should be done at 3 months or 5,000 kilometers. This means if you have only driven 2,000 kilometers in 3 months, you still need to go for the first maintenance. Similarly, if you reach 5,000 kilometers in 2 months, you also need to go for the first maintenance. The 3 months or 5,000 kilometers is determined by whichever comes first. After the first maintenance is done, the second maintenance or subsequent ones can be delayed by a month or two without much issue. However, the first maintenance for a new car must be done within three months. This is a mandatory requirement for new car maintenance. The first maintenance time is determined by either the mileage or the stipulated time, whichever comes first. In other words, if the mileage is reached before the time, you need to go for the first maintenance, and if the time is reached before the mileage, you also need to go for the first maintenance. Therefore, once the time is up, you must go; otherwise, it will be considered as forfeiting the warranty. The first maintenance of a car refers to the initial service, which is generally at 5,000 kilometers/6 months (with a few exceptions). Many brand 4S shops, in order to shorten the maintenance cycle for customers, have changed to remind customers to do maintenance at 3,000 kilometers/3 months, with the two values being determined by whichever comes first. The first maintenance is free, but if it is overdue, you will need to pay for the maintenance yourself, and it will be considered as forfeiting the warranty rights. In the future, if there are any quality issues with the car, they will not be covered under warranty.
8
0
Share

What is the purpose of an air filter?

The function of an air filter: To filter out particulate impurities in the air, ensuring that a sufficient amount of clean air enters the cylinders, and preventing floating dust in the air from being sucked into the engine, which can accelerate the wear of piston assemblies and cylinders. According to the car's maintenance manual, the air filter should generally be replaced every 10,000 to 20,000 kilometers or during every other maintenance interval. However, it is recommended to clean the air filter every 5,000 kilometers to reduce the buildup of throttle sludge. The location of the car's air filter element is determined by the intake form and the engine's structure. It is usually located in the air cleaner on the engine's intake pipe. There are two types of air filters in cars: dry and wet. Dry filters are made of paper or organic materials, while wet filters are made of metal mesh. Air filter: It is a type of filter, also known as an air filter cartridge, air cleaner, or air element. It is mainly used in engineering vehicles, cars, agricultural vehicles, laboratories, sterile operating rooms, and various precision operating rooms as an air filter. During operation, the engine sucks in a large amount of air. If the air is not filtered, the suspended dust in the air will be drawn into the cylinders, accelerating the wear of piston assemblies and cylinders. Larger particles entering between the pistons and cylinders can cause severe cylinder scoring, especially in dry and sandy working environments. The air cleaner is installed in front of the carburetor or intake pipe to filter out dust and sand particles from the air, ensuring that sufficient and clean air enters the cylinders. Using an excessively dirty air filter while driving can cause insufficient engine intake, leading to incomplete fuel combustion, unstable engine operation, reduced power, and increased fuel consumption. Therefore, it is essential to keep the air filter clean. The car's air cleaner is a device that removes particulate impurities from the air, consisting of one or several components that clean the air. Its main function is to filter out harmful impurities from the air before it enters the cylinders, reducing early wear of the cylinders, pistons, piston rings, valves, and valve seats. Therefore, before air enters the cylinders, it must pass through the fine filtration of the air cleaner. An excessively dirty air cleaner can cause poor engine performance, excessive fuel consumption, and engine damage. When inspecting the air cleaner, if it is found to have minimal dust and light blockage, it can be cleaned by blowing compressed air from the inside out and reused. An overly dirty air filter should be replaced promptly.
9
3
Share

How to Read Tire Pressure Parameters?

You can use a tire pressure gauge to check the specific values of tire pressure. Here is the correct method for using a tire pressure gauge: 1. The central line of the pressure measurement port forms a 90°-180° angle with the axis of the gauge body. The scale is a rectangular prism, with a range of 0.07Wpa-0.4Wpa. Before reading, gently tap the instrument's casing or surface glass with your finger to eliminate friction in the transmission mechanism. 2. When observing, the pointer should overlap with the mirrored pointer. The value indicated by the pointer at this time is the pressure reading, accurate to one decimal place. Read the temperature value on the pressure gauge, also precise to one decimal place. 3. Align and press the measurement end slot of the pressure gauge with the tire valve stem. The pointer on the tire pressure gauge will deflect, and the indicated value is the inflation pressure of the tire. Alternatively, the gauge's indicator rod may be pushed out by the pressure, displaying the inflation pressure. The greater the internal pressure, the more the pointer deflects. Here is additional information: 1. Inner scale values: psi (pounds per square inch); outer scale values: kgf/cm² (engineering atmosphere) = 1.033 standard atmospheres = 1.02 bar. 2. For passenger car tires, the pressure is generally between 2.0 and 2.5 bar, not exceeding 3.5 bar. 3. For light truck tires, typically 6-ply, the pressure is between 3.0 and 3.5 bar; for 8-ply tires, between 4.0 and 4.5 bar; and for 10-ply tires, not exceeding 5.5 bar. 4. For trailer tires, the pressure generally does not exceed 4.2 bar.
12
0
Share

What to Do When the Buick Engine Malfunction Light is On and the Car Won't Start?

If the engine malfunction light is on, you can follow these steps: First, check whether the engine is running normally, such as whether there is shaking, black smoke, or difficulty starting. If any of these issues exist, try not to start the engine again. Note: Do not start the engine if the red light is on. If the engine is running normally and the car can be driven, go to a service station as soon as possible to diagnose the issue. The service station can easily read the fault code using a portable diagnostic tool to obtain targeted repair information. If the engine is running normally, the owner can also try gently reconnecting various wiring harness connectors, as a loose connection may be the cause. Alternatively, repeatedly turning the key to the ON position may help reset the system. Generally, the engine malfunction light may come on due to the following seven reasons: Sensor failure: Sensors such as the coolant temperature sensor, crankshaft position sensor, air flow sensor, intake temperature sensor, and oxygen sensor may be damaged, have poor contact, or experience signal interruption. When the ECU cannot accurately obtain engine data, the malfunction light will illuminate. Fuel or oil quality issues: If fuel or engine oil is not added according to the manufacturer's requirements, it may cause engine wear and trigger the malfunction light. Poor combustion of the air-fuel mixture: Poor combustion can lead to engine carbon buildup or knocking. When detected by the oxygen sensor and reported to the ECU, the malfunction light will illuminate as a warning. Issues such as faulty spark plugs, ignition coils, fuel pumps, or clogged fuel lines can cause poor combustion. Turbocharger problems: Issues with the intake boost pipeline or turbocharger can also trigger the malfunction light. The most common problem is turbocharger damage, which may also cause oil leaks, excessive oil consumption, reduced power, metallic noises, or blue/black smoke from the exhaust. Intake problems: If there is an issue with the air intake, it may lead to engine pipe blockages, and in severe cases, trigger the malfunction light. A dirty air filter that is not cleaned regularly can cause intake problems. Exhaust problems: Exhaust system faults can also trigger the malfunction light. Common causes include faulty rear oxygen sensors, catalytic converters, exhaust camshafts, or bearings. The catalytic converter is the most frequently affected component. Using leaded gasoline, lead- or silicon-based lubricant additives, physical damage to the catalytic converter, or fuel system issues can all lead to catalytic converter failure. Anti-theft system failure: If the car's electronic anti-theft system malfunctions or the anti-theft controller does not match the engine ECU, the anti-theft system may prevent the engine from operating normally and trigger the malfunction light.
4
2
Share

What is the wading depth of NIO vehicles?

NIO's maximum wading depth is 400mm-450mm. The wading depth of NIO vehicles is determined by the height of the vehicle chassis, which is the ground clearance listed in the model's parameter configuration table. Generally speaking, the greater the ground clearance, the higher the chassis, and the higher the safety factor when passing through waterlogged roads. Therefore, in terms of safe wading depth, the advantages of off-road vehicles and SUVs are obvious. However, for most compact and small cars with low chassis, the position of the vehicle's air intake should be used as a benchmark when passing through waterlogged roads. If the air intake is below the water level when a NIO vehicle is wading, water will be sucked into the engine's cylinders. Since water cannot be compressed like air, it will cause serious damage to the engine's mechanical structure (connecting rods, pistons, crankshaft, etc.). Therefore, the wading depth should not exceed the height of the engine's air intake. The height of the engine's air intake, and thus the maximum wading depth, can also be increased by installing a snorkel. If wading is unavoidable, the following safe and correct operations should be performed: Before the vehicle enters the water, always turn off the automatic start-stop function to prevent the vehicle from automatically restarting after stalling in the water, which could cause serious damage if water enters the engine. Judge the underwater road conditions based on the passage of preceding vehicles and choose a suitable entry point. Observe the path taken by other vehicles and follow their tracks at low speed, avoiding sudden acceleration or deceleration. On roads prone to water accumulation, observe warning water level markers, trees, and reference points such as the wheels and doors of other vehicles to estimate the water depth before deciding whether to proceed. Know your vehicle's safe wading depth. If the water depth exceeds half of the tire height or the engine's air intake, do not enter the water recklessly; choose an alternative route instead.
12
5
Share
Cookie
Cookie Settings
© 2025 Servanan International Pte. Ltd.