Should You Release the Handbrake or Shift Gear First When Driving?
3 Answers
Start by shifting into gear, then release the handbrake last. Reasons for shifting into gear before releasing the handbrake: 1. To ensure the vehicle does not move and avoid unnecessary trouble, such as rolling on a slope. 2. To prevent shifting into the wrong gear, which could cause the vehicle to lose control or roll backward. This is similar to the principle of pulling the handbrake first and then shifting to neutral when parking. 3. For safety considerations. In practice, under normal road conditions, releasing the handbrake first and then shifting into gear has little impact on starting, and the vehicle will not fail to start just because the handbrake was released first. Steps for starting a motor vehicle: 1. Press the clutch, followed by the brake. 2. Use the right hand to shift into first gear. 3. Release the brake. 4. Slowly lift the clutch and gently press the accelerator.
When driving, I've always been in the habit of shifting gears before releasing the handbrake. The reason for doing this is actually quite practical: when you shift into gear (D for automatic transmission, 1st gear for manual), the engine's power is transmitted to the wheels. At this point, releasing the handbrake immediately stabilizes the car body and prevents it from sliding. I particularly remember one time when I was starting on a hill and saw the car in front of me release the handbrake first—it rolled back over half a meter and nearly hit the guardrail. That scared me into firmly remembering this lesson. It's not just about safety; it's also better for the car itself. If you release the handbrake before shifting, especially in an automatic transmission car, the gears in the transmission will clunk harshly against each other. Doing this long-term can easily damage the components. Be extra careful on rainy days or when the road is icy in winter—developing this sequence can save you a lot of trouble.
From a mechanical perspective, it's most reasonable to shift gears first and then release the handbrake. The handbrake primarily controls rear wheel braking. Once the gear is engaged, the engine's power can be transmitted to the drive wheels. Releasing the handbrake at this point allows the car to start smoothly. If the sequence is reversed—releasing the handbrake before shifting gears—especially when parked on a slope, the car may roll backward or forward, which is not only dangerous but also wears out the brake pads excessively. This sequence is even more critical for automatic transmission vehicles. Shifting directly to D (Drive) before releasing the handbrake helps protect the transmission gears from sudden impact. The same logic applies to cars with electronic handbrakes. Many people notice that the system automatically releases the handbrake when shifting gears—this is actually a safety feature designed by manufacturers. So don't underestimate this step; proper operation can significantly extend the lifespan of the drivetrain.
