Should You Press the Brake Before Starting a Manual Transmission Car?
2 Answers
You should press the brake before starting a manual transmission car. The steps for starting a manual transmission car are as follows: 1. Start the engine, press the clutch pedal, shift the gear lever into first gear, ensure safety, and then release the handbrake; 2. Lift the clutch pedal, first quickly lift it until the engine sound becomes lower, then slow down the lifting speed; 3. When the car body slightly shakes, pause the clutch pedal, add a little throttle, slowly lift the clutch pedal, and then gradually increase the throttle to achieve a smooth start. A manual transmission is a type of gearbox that requires manually shifting the gear lever to change the gear engagement inside the transmission, altering the gear ratio to achieve the desired speed.
After years of driving a manual transmission car, I believe whether to press the brake before starting depends on the specific situation. On flat ground, I usually don't press the brake because you can smoothly start by just pressing the clutch and then slowly releasing it while adding throttle—the brake isn't necessary. However, if parked on a slope, I definitely press the brake; otherwise, the car may roll backward, which is dangerous. Pressing the clutch when starting the engine is essential, but the brake is only needed on uneven terrain. Developing the habit of checking the terrain before acting can prevent many accidents, such as in urban traffic where cars follow closely behind—starting without braking may lead to collisions. For beginner friends just starting to practice driving, it's best to press the brake every time and adjust the method once you're more experienced, ensuring safety always comes first.
