Should You Release the Handbrake or Shift Gears First When Starting a Car?
3 Answers
When starting a car, you should shift gears first. The steps for starting a car are: 1. Turn the key; 2. Press the clutch and foot brake; 3. Shift gears; 4. Release the handbrake; 5. Release the clutch; 6. Release the foot brake; 7. Press the accelerator to start the vehicle. Precautions for starting a car: 1. Check for obstacles in front of and behind the car; 2. Check if the tire pressure is normal; 3. Check if the dashboard and indicator lights are functioning normally; 4. Check if there is sufficient fuel; 5. Adjust the seat to a comfortable position; 6. Fasten the seatbelt; 7. Adjust the rearview mirrors; 8. Check for any abnormal noises from the engine; 9. Turn on the left turn signal and honk the horn as a signal.
From a safety perspective, let's talk about the starting sequence. I always follow a set of safety procedures. Before starting the car, I sit in the driver's seat and fasten the seatbelt, then press the brake pedal to ensure the vehicle is stable. After starting the engine, I keep my hand on the brake and slowly release the parking brake. Only after completing these steps do I shift into drive gear, such as D for automatic transmissions or 1st gear for manual transmissions. Why is this important? Because on a slope, if you shift into gear before releasing the parking brake, the car may suddenly roll backward or lurch forward, creating a risk of accidents. Having driven for many years, I've seen a friend forget to release the parking brake before shifting in a steep parking lot, resulting in a minor rear-end collision. Developing this habit not only prevents slipping but also protects the braking system. New drivers should pay special attention; practicing a few times will make it second nature: start the engine, release the parking brake, shift into gear, and go. Remember, safety comes first—don’t cut corners by skipping details.
Sharing my daily driving routine, I always release the handbrake before shifting gears when starting the car. Having driven both manual and automatic transmissions, I've noticed that manual cars require more attention to sequence: start the engine in neutral, release the handbrake, then press the clutch and shift into 1st gear to move off. Automatics are simpler - just release the handbrake and shift to D after starting. On flat ground the order might not matter much, but on slopes or slippery surfaces, forgetting the sequence can cause jerking or stalling. Once on a mountain road, I rushed and shifted first, only to find the handbrake wasn't fully released - the dragging wheels damaged the brake pads. Since then I've stuck to this fixed pattern: start engine, release handbrake, then shift. Though a small step, it prevents many troubles, and I recommend all drivers make it a habit.
