Should You Release the Handbrake or Shift Gears First in a Car?
2 Answers
Shift gears first, then release the handbrake. Below is relevant information about parking brakes: 1. Important Function: When parking, it provides resistance to the car to prevent movement. The handbrake or the parking gear in automatic transmissions locks the drive shaft or rear wheels. 2. System Application: Utilizing an electronic parking brake system, it integrates the temporary braking function during driving with the long-term braking function after parking, and achieves parking braking through electronic control. The electronic handbrake is a technology that realizes parking braking through electronic control, with the same working principle as the mechanical handbrake, both achieving control of parking braking through the friction generated between the brake disc and brake pads.
I remember when I was first learning to drive, I made quite a few mistakes, like always getting the sequence wrong when starting after parking. Later, an experienced mechanic taught me the correct method: first start the engine, firmly press the brake pedal, then shift into drive (D gear), and finally release the handbrake. It took me a few tries to get used to it, but this sequence prevents the car from accidentally sliding or damaging the braking system, especially on a slope—if you release the handbrake first, the car might roll back and cause an accident. It's similar with manual transmission cars, but with the added step of coordinating the clutch. After practicing this habit more, driving became much safer, especially for beginners who should pay extra attention to this detail. In the long run, this also reduces brake pad wear, saving money on car maintenance.
