Should You Release the Handbrake or Shift Gear First When Driving?
3 Answers
It is acceptable to either release the handbrake or shift gear first when driving. For automatic transmission vehicles, you need to press the brake when shifting into D gear, and then release the handbrake to drive. Alternatively, you can first press the brake, release the handbrake, and then shift into D gear to drive—both methods are fine. The same principle applies to manual transmission vehicles. The handbrake, professionally known as an auxiliary brake, operates differently from the main brake system. It uses a steel cable connected to the rear brake shoes to apply braking force to the vehicle. Prolonged use of the handbrake can cause the steel cable to undergo plastic deformation. Since this deformation is irreversible, long-term use may reduce its effectiveness and increase the handbrake's travel distance.
I also struggled with this issue when I first learned to drive. The instructor taught me to press the brake after starting the engine, shift into drive or reverse first to ensure the vehicle has power connection, and then release the handbrake. Especially on slopes, if you release the handbrake before shifting gears, the car can easily roll back, which is dangerous. With modern automatic cars, it's even more important to follow this sequence. After shifting to D (Drive), you can clearly feel the front of the car slightly sink, indicating the powertrain is ready. For those driving manual transmissions, it's also recommended to shift into first gear while pressing the clutch, and coordinate the throttle when releasing the handbrake for a smooth start. Developing this habit is particularly important—safety is no small matter. Spending an extra two seconds each time you start is much better than rolling back and hitting the car behind you.
My decades of driving experience tells me: shifting gears before releasing the handbrake is definitely the most reliable approach. In automatic transmission vehicles, when you shift to D while pressing the brake pedal, the dashboard will display gear confirmation - that's when releasing the handbrake allows for smooth acceleration. This is even more crucial for manual transmissions: after fully depressing the clutch and engaging the gear, releasing the handbrake and lifting the clutch require dance-like coordination. If you release the handbrake first on a slope, even with the brake pressed, the car might instantly roll back half a meter. I've witnessed cases where cars rolled back and hit walls during slope starts in underground parking lots - the repair costs could cover half a year's fuel expenses. These fundamental operations really shouldn't be taken lightly.
