Should You Release the Handbrake or Shift Gears First in an Automatic Car?
4 Answers
In an automatic car, you should shift gears first and then release the handbrake. Below is the sequence for shifting gears and operating the handbrake in different situations: When starting: You should shift gears first and then release the handbrake, mainly for safety reasons. When starting, if the ground is sloped, releasing the handbrake first will leave the car in a neutral coasting state. At this point, the vehicle may roll in the direction of the slope without any braking, which can easily lead to a safety accident. When parking: The sequence when parking is the opposite of when starting. You should first engage the handbrake and then shift to neutral to ensure the vehicle does not move as much as possible. This is because many people are accustomed to releasing the clutch and brake after shifting to neutral. If the gear is not correctly shifted to neutral or the parking spot is on a slope, the vehicle may move. However, for automatic cars, you can directly shift to P (Park) and then engage the handbrake when parking.
As a new driver who just got my license, I remember being flustered the first time I drove an automatic car. I thought releasing the parking brake before shifting to drive was enough, but the car almost rolled backward on a slope, which scared me into immediately asking my instructor. The instructor explained that the correct sequence is to shift to D first, then release the parking brake. This way, once the car is in gear, the engine stabilizes the vehicle, preventing it from sliding the moment the parking brake is released—making it very safe and reliable. I found that forming this habit made driving much more reassuring, especially in urban areas with many slopes, helping avoid accidents. New drivers often make this mistake, so I recommend practicing the sequence on flat roads first to build muscle memory before tackling complex road conditions. Overall, this practice isn’t just about safety—it also protects the transmission and braking system, preventing excessive wear and tear.
Having driven automatic transmission cars for over two decades, I've developed a consistent routine: after starting the engine, I first shift to D or R gear before releasing the handbrake. This practice proves particularly effective on steep slopes or in crowded parking spaces, ensuring the car remains rock-steady without any sliding. If one accidentally releases the handbrake first, especially on a slope, the car might roll back due to inertia, potentially causing a scraping accident. I've shared this simple rule with friends, and they all find it easy to remember and practical, integrating it into daily driving as naturally as wearing a seatbelt. Extending this thought, the habit also reminds us to regularly check brake wear and replace parts when necessary to prolong the vehicle's lifespan. After all, driving is about comfort and peace of mind, with safety as the top priority.
From a safety perspective, it is essential to shift into gear before releasing the handbrake in an automatic transmission vehicle. Reversing this sequence poses significant risks. Engaging the gear first transmits power to the wheels, and then releasing the handbrake ensures the vehicle remains stable and stationary, especially on inclines to prevent rollback that could harm people or damage the car. I have personally witnessed minor collisions caused by others getting this sequence wrong, which is why I emphasize developing this good habit: start the engine, shift to D to stabilize the vehicle, then release the handbrake to move off. Similarly, when parking, always engage the handbrake first before shifting to P to protect the transmission. Remembering this can help avoid unnecessary trouble and repair costs.
