Should You Press the Brake When Turning the Key?
2 Answers
Turning the key to start the engine requires pressing the brake. For safety and vehicle control, it is necessary to press the brake when starting the engine; otherwise, the vehicle cannot be started. Some vehicles may roll away if the brake is not pressed when starting, especially if the gear was not properly disengaged when the engine was last turned off. Additional information: 1. When the vehicle is temporarily parked and needs to be restarted shortly after, the parking function is handled by the ESP-controlled braking system. 2. The onboard computer uses a series of sensors to measure the vehicle's level and wheel torque, determining any tendency for the vehicle to roll, and applies an appropriate braking force to keep the vehicle stationary.
I usually drive an automatic transmission car. When parking, I shift to P and turn off the engine. To start it, I must press the brake pedal, otherwise turning the key won't work—this design prevents rolling. But with an old manual transmission car, it's different; pressing the clutch is enough to start, and generally, you don't need to press the brake. Still, I prefer pressing both for extra stability, especially when parked on a slight slope. Remembering these habits helps prevent unexpected vehicle movement, like in residential areas or crowded parking lots. Before turning off the engine, I always engage the handbrake first and then shift gears to reduce strain on the battery. Forgetting to press the brake while starting could make the car lurch forward, which would be a big problem—safety first. Developing this habit of pressing the brake is great—it takes just two seconds but ensures peace of mind for the whole family.
