Should You Release the Clutch or the Brake First?
2 Answers
When starting a manual transmission car, you should partially release the clutch before releasing the brake. Starting a manual transmission car requires the following steps: 1. Adjust the seat before starting the car to ensure your feet can firmly and comfortably press the clutch, brake, and accelerator. 2. For a manual transmission car, shift into first gear when starting, fully depress the clutch, and place your right foot on the accelerator. 3. When starting, slowly lift the clutch with your left foot to about halfway, and release the handbrake promptly when you feel the vehicle begin to vibrate. 4. Then lightly press the accelerator, and as the car starts to move forward, gradually release the clutch while adding a bit more throttle to successfully start. 5. Beginners should be especially careful when starting on a slope. If the handbrake is released too quickly while the clutch isn't lifted sufficiently, the car may roll back. The best method is to hold both the clutch and brake when starting (the handbrake is optional). Release the brake when the clutch is halfway lifted—the car will then be in a semi-clutch state and won't roll back. Simultaneously apply the throttle and slowly release the clutch to start successfully.
When starting a manual transmission car, especially on a slope, I often made mistakes due to lack of experience when learning to drive. The correct approach is to first release the clutch pedal slowly until reaching the half-engaged position—when the car starts to vibrate slightly or feels like it's about to move—then gradually release the brake pedal. This prevents the car from rolling backward and reduces wear on the clutch plate. I remember during my early lessons, I recklessly released the brake first, causing the car to roll backward on a slope, startling pedestrians and earning a scolding from the instructor. Since then, I've developed a good habit: patiently operating the clutch first and then the brake every time I start. Driving on flat ground carries less risk, but the sequence must remain the same—the more you practice, the smoother it gets. The clutch is a key transmission component, and keeping it half-engaged under load for too long will shorten its lifespan. So, the correct sequence is the first step to saving money and staying safe. Safe driving starts with small details—don’t let minor mistakes lead to big trouble.
