Should You Release the Handbrake or Shift Gears First When Starting an Automatic Car?
2 Answers
When starting an automatic car, you should shift gears first and then release the handbrake. Below is relevant information about automatic transmission vehicles: 1. Working Principle: Automatic transmissions primarily rely on the hydraulic transmission principle of torque converters to complete gear shifts; the vehicle automatically selects the appropriate gear based on driving speed and traffic conditions, making gear shifts safer. 2. Advantages of Automatic Transmissions: Automatic transmissions use a torque converter to replace the clutch in manual transmission cars, so there's no need for frequent gear shifting. In terms of operational convenience, automatic transmissions are more suitable for beginners.
When starting an automatic transmission car, I always adhere to the sequence of shifting gears first and then releasing the handbrake, which is crucial from a safety perspective. Pressing the brake pedal is the first step to ensure the car is completely stable, followed by shifting to D gear, at which point the engine and transmission system are ready. Only then should the handbrake be released to prevent the car from moving or rolling unexpectedly during startup. This is especially important when parking on slopes or in underground garages. I once saw a friend release the handbrake first on a slope, causing the car to slide and nearly hit a wall—it was truly frightening. Developing this habit can significantly reduce the risk of accidents, protecting both yourself and those around you. The design of automatic transmissions makes this sequence smoother, and the operation isn’t troublesome; with a bit of practice, it becomes second nature. Safety always comes first—don’t cut corners for convenience.
