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

[BraxtonLee]

When driving an automatic transmission car, it is generally recommended to shift gears first and then release the parking brake. Here are the reasons: Some cars may be parked on a slope. If you release the parking brake first, the car might roll forward or backward, which is quite dangerous. Shifting into gear first and then releasing the parking brake is a relatively safer approach. When shifting gears, move quickly from P to D to avoid passing through R, which can cause a backlash and harm the transmission. Below are some precautions regarding gear shifting and releasing the parking brake when starting: Reversing the order of shifting gears and releasing the parking brake is not a major issue, but you must ensure the brake pedal is pressed. Also, always remember not to forget to release the parking brake—starting with the parking brake engaged can easily burn out the brake pads.

[MarianaRose]

I've been driving automatic transmission cars for twenty years, and I also pondered this when I first started learning to drive. The sequence is actually crucial: after getting in the car, first firmly press the brake pedal, start the engine, shift the gear from P to D, and only then release the handbrake. Never do it the other way around, because if you release the handbrake before shifting gears, the car might roll on a slope or uneven ground, leading to minor scratches at best or accidents at worst. I learned this the hard way when I was younger—once in a supermarket parking lot, in a hurry to leave, I forgot the sequence and released the handbrake first, causing the car to roll forward slightly. Luckily, no one was hurt. Since then, I’ve made it a habit to press the brake, shift gears, and then release the handbrake—this protects the transmission and prevents accidents. Following this routine in daily driving helps avoid trouble and ensures a smoother, more confident start.

[CamillaLee]

When learning to drive an automatic car, the instructor emphasizes the starting sequence: first press the brake to stabilize the car, then start the engine, shift to a driving gear like D or R, and finally release the handbrake. Doing it the other way around can cause many issues, such as the car moving if the handbrake is released too early, increasing the risk of collisions or damaging engine components. When teaching new drivers, I often remind them to practice this habit because it’s not just about safety—it also extends the vehicle’s lifespan by protecting the braking system and transmission. Developing this small step ensures smoother driving, especially when stopping on slopes, preventing the car from rolling. Overall, whether for daily commutes or long trips, sticking to shifting gears before releasing the handbrake is simple and reliable.

[CollinAnn]

The sequence of starting an automatic transmission car directly affects safety: get in the car, press the brake, start the engine, shift to D gear, and then release the handbrake. Getting the sequence wrong can easily cause the car to roll, especially on slopes, which may lead to accidents. Every time I drive, I keep this in mind—it makes the operation smoother. Developing good habits reduces risks.

[JosieRose]

I've been driving an automatic transmission car to commute for several years. The startup sequence is: first press the brake to stop the car, start the engine, shift to D gear, and then release the handbrake. This prevents sudden movement of the car, especially in urban traffic congestion, making it safer. Imagine if this isn't followed, it might scrape surrounding vehicles, wasting time and causing trouble. So in daily driving, this process is quite simple and easy to get started with.

[KendraDella]

When starting an automatic transmission car, I always press the brake to ignite, shift into gear, and then release the handbrake. Why? Because the transmission works by locking the wheels first before switching. If done in reverse, the car may jerk suddenly, accelerating wear on the brake pads or drivetrain. Once, I didn’t pay attention to the sequence, and the car wobbled slightly over a short distance. Now, I firmly remember this procedure. Following it enhances both driving experience and safety.