Should You Release the Handbrake or Shift Gears First in an Automatic Transmission?
3 Answers
For an automatic transmission car, you should shift gears first and then release the handbrake. Here is an introduction to driving an automatic transmission car: 1. The handbrake should be released as soon as possible after shifting gears: If you engage the gear but do not release the handbrake, all the power output from the engine will be absorbed by the torque converter, causing the temperature of the torque converter to rise sharply. Prolonged operation in this state can burn out the torque converter. In a dual-clutch transmission, after engaging the gear, the clutch friction plates will be in a semi-engaged state. Prolonged semi-engagement can cause the friction plates to burn out, so it is necessary to start moving as soon as possible. 2. When parking, you should apply the handbrake first and then shift gears: In the car's transmission, the P (Park) position has a set of pawl and gear mechanism at the end of the output shaft. When the transmission is shifted into P, the pawl will press down and engage with the gear, achieving a locking effect. If you push the car while it is only in P, the vehicle can still be moved because there is a significant engagement gap between the pawl and the gear. Additionally, the P position pawl and gear have a self-protection mechanism; if the pushing force reaches a certain level, the pawl will disengage to avoid damaging the transmission.
I've been driving for over a decade and always believed that shifting into gear before releasing the handbrake is the safest approach. Especially when parked on a slope, engaging D gear first allows the engine's traction to hold the vehicle in place—then releasing the handbrake ensures the car won't roll at all. If done in reverse order, the car immediately starts sliding when the handbrake is released, which can be extremely dangerous if you don't react quickly. While the difference might seem negligible on flat ground, maintaining consistent habits is crucial. My current startup routine is seamless: press brake to ignite → shift to D gear → release handbrake → release foot brake—a smooth and safe procedure that gives peace of mind. This sequence proves particularly foolproof during rainy days or winter when roads are slippery.
I used to be accustomed to releasing the handbrake first when driving a manual transmission, but switching to an automatic taught me a lesson. Once, starting on a steep slope, I instinctively released the handbrake first, and the car suddenly rolled backward, almost hitting the vehicle behind. Now I've learned my lesson: with an automatic, you must engage D gear before releasing the handbrake. The principle is simple: after shifting gears, the transmission pre-loads the driving force, acting like an invisible foot pressing the brake. Releasing the handbrake at this point keeps the car firmly in place. For steep slope starts, you can also use the auto-hold function: after shifting gears, a light tap on the accelerator automatically releases the electronic handbrake, making the process as smooth as Dove chocolate.
