Should You Release the Handbrake or Shift Gears First When Driving?

[DiMiles]

When starting the car, it is recommended to shift gears first and then release the handbrake. Below are the precautions for starting the car and the hazards of not releasing the handbrake after shifting gears: Precautions for starting the car: Whether it's a manual or automatic transmission, the most important step when starting the car is to shift gears first and then release the handbrake. The handbrake serves as the final safety measure, and it should only be released after the gear is fully engaged and before moving the car. This practice is very safe. When shifting gears, move quickly from P to D to avoid passing through R, which can cause backlash and damage the transmission. Hazards of not releasing the handbrake after shifting gears: If you shift gears but do not release the handbrake, all the power output from the engine will be absorbed by the torque converter, causing its temperature to rise sharply. Prolonged exposure to this condition can burn out the torque converter. For dual-clutch transmissions, after shifting gears, the clutch friction plates will remain in a semi-engaged state. Prolonged semi-engagement can lead to the burning of the friction plates, so it is necessary to start moving as soon as possible.

[LaLucille]

From my years of driving experience, you should shift into gear before releasing the handbrake when driving, as this significantly reduces the risk of unintended vehicle movement. The specific steps are: after starting the engine, firmly press the brake pedal, then shift into D or 1st gear (same for automatic or manual transmission), and slowly release the handbrake. Especially on slopes, if you release the handbrake first, the car is prone to rolling backward or forward, which may lead to rear-end collisions or accidents. This habit should also be cultivated on flat ground, as modern vehicle designs take this into account—for example, electronic handbrakes often automatically unlock in coordination with gear-shifting logic, but manual transmissions in older cars still require your attention. Neglecting this during daily driving can easily wear out the transmission system and increase maintenance costs. In short, safety comes first; a small change in sequence can make driving much more reassuring.

[DeSawyer]

In daily driving, I always prefer to shift gears before releasing the handbrake. After starting the car, I press the brake, shift to D or 1st gear, confirm the power is engaged, and then release the handbrake. This method has saved me a lot of trouble in parking lots or on slopes—once at a supermarket exit ramp, I almost rolled back because I forgot the sequence, but luckily I braked in time. Automatic transmission cars are simpler, as some electronic brakes automatically sync with the gear shift; with manual transmissions, releasing the handbrake first might cause instability if the low gear lacks sufficient power. It really depends on the car's condition and personal habits—the key is ensuring the car doesn’t move. Also, when parking, reverse the steps: come to a complete stop, engage the handbrake, then shift to P or neutral.

[DelMiguel]

From a mechanical perspective, it is reasonable to engage the gear before releasing the handbrake. After starting the engine, press the brake to lock the wheels; shifting gears (e.g., to D) connects the transmission to the engine; finally, release the handbrake to prevent rolling. Conversely, releasing the handbrake first may cause the car to move on slopes or uneven ground, adding load to the drivetrain. Automatic transmissions are particularly vulnerable to such shocks, which can wear parts over time; manual transmission clutch plates may also be damaged. Electronic brake systems optimize this process, but manual operations should adhere to this sequence. Simply put, this procedure protects the vehicle and enhances safety.