Should You Press the Clutch and Brake When Starting the Car?

[StKate]

When starting the car, it is necessary to press the clutch and brake to ensure a smooth ignition. Below are the specific introductions to the brake and clutch: 1. Brake: The car's brake pedal is located under the steering wheel. Pressing the brake pedal causes the brake lever to be pressurized and transmitted to the brake pads on the brake drum, which then clamp the brake disc, slowing down or stopping the car. 2. Clutch: The clutch is located in the flywheel housing between the engine and the transmission. The clutch assembly is fixed to the rear plane of the flywheel with screws, and the output shaft of the clutch is the input shaft of the transmission. While driving, the driver can press or release the clutch pedal as needed to temporarily separate or gradually engage the engine and the transmission, thereby cutting off or transmitting the power from the engine to the transmission.

[DiArabella]

I remember feeling quite nervous when I first started driving, often getting confused about whether to press anything when starting the car. With a manual transmission, you must press the clutch to prevent the car from suddenly lurching forward upon startup—especially dangerous if it's still in gear. I once forgot to press it, and the car moved slightly, which was a scary lesson. For automatic transmissions, pressing the brake is key. Many cars are designed not to start unless the brake is pressed, particularly when parked on a slope—holding the brake ensures safety and prevents rolling. Developing this habit has made driving much safer for me; I now instinctively check my footwork before starting to avoid trouble. By choosing the right strategy based on the car type, even beginners can quickly get the hang of it and reduce the risk of accidents.

[Robert]

After years of driving, I've learned that whether to press the clutch or brake when starting depends on the car model. For older manual transmission cars, not pressing the clutch when starting can cause the car to jerk or even lurch unexpectedly, so I always make sure to press the clutch for safety. Newer automatic transmission cars are more straightforward—pressing the brake to start is the default setting, and most cars won't move unless you do. I'm especially cautious on slopes or in crowded areas, and forming this habit has made driving smoother while also extending the transmission's lifespan. In short, don't skip these simple steps—they significantly improve safety.

[MacJesse]

From a safety-first perspective, it is absolutely essential to press the clutch or brake when starting the car. For manual transmissions, pressing the clutch prevents the gear from being engaged and causing unintended movement; for automatic transmissions, pressing the brake keeps the car stationary to avoid rolling risks. I have personally experienced starting on a slope during stormy weather, and pressing the device immediately ensured stability. Cultivating these good habits makes daily driving more reassuring, especially in high-risk areas such as schools and parking lots. Remember, small actions can prevent big troubles.