Should You Press the Brake When Starting?
2 Answers
For manual transmission starts, you don't need to press the brake if on flat ground. However, when starting on a slope, it's best to press the brake to prevent rolling back. Below are some related additional details: 1. Manual Transmission: A gear-shifting device used to alter the engine's speed and torque transmitted to the drive wheels. It enables the vehicle to achieve different traction and speed under various conditions such as starting from a standstill, climbing hills, turning, and accelerating, while also allowing the engine to operate within a more favorable range. During gear shifting, the transmission must ensure that the circumferential speeds of the selected gear pair are equal to allow smooth engagement and gear shifting. 2. Synchronizer: To ensure smooth gear shifting, the driver must perform relatively complex operations quickly and accurately within a short period. Even for highly skilled drivers, this can easily lead to fatigue. Therefore, structural measures are required in the transmission to ensure smooth gear engagement, simplify operations, and reduce driver fatigue. Synchronizers are designed specifically to meet these requirements.
As a seasoned driver with years of experience, this is a pretty common question. Whether you need to press the brake when starting depends on whether it's an automatic or manual transmission car. For automatic cars, you must press the brake to start the engine because there's a safety lock in the ignition system—if you don't press the brake, the car won't start. This prevents accidental movement, especially when parked on a slope or in a parking lot. For manual cars, you don’t necessarily need to press the brake to start the engine, but be cautious when starting on a slope—I recommend using the foot brake or handbrake to stabilize the car before releasing the clutch and accelerating. Developing the habit of pressing the brake reduces risks, especially when switching between different car models. Additionally, modern cars increasingly feature electronic aids like anti-rollback systems that work with the brakes—pressing the brake is a small action for big peace of mind. In short, from a safety perspective, pressing the brake when starting is definitely a good practice.
