Should You Release the Handbrake or Shift Gears First When Starting an Automatic Car?
3 Answers
When starting an automatic car, you should shift gears first and then release the handbrake. The starting steps are as follows: 1. Press the start button or turn the key to start the vehicle; 2. Press the brake pedal with your right foot and release the handbrake; 3. Shift the gear from P (Park) to D (Drive); 4. After shifting to D, slowly release the brake pedal with your right foot. In an automatic transmission, the driver does not need to manually shift gears as the vehicle automatically selects the appropriate gear based on driving speed and traffic conditions. The gear positions include: 1. P (Park) for parking and starting; 2. R (Reverse) for reversing; 3. N (Neutral) for neutral; 4. D (Drive) for forward movement, also known as the driving gear; 5. L (Low) for low-speed driving; 6. S (Sport) for sport mode.
I've been driving automatic transmission cars for ten years and often think about the starting sequence while driving. When starting an automatic transmission car, you should first press the foot brake, shift the gear to D, and then release the handbrake. This prevents the car from rolling on slopes and ensures safety. If you release the handbrake before shifting gears, the car lacks the constraint of driving force, especially on slopes, making it prone to rolling backward and causing collision risks. I remember once when I was lazy and released the handbrake first while starting on a hill, the car rolled back half a meter, nearly causing an accident. Since then, I've strictly followed the habit of shifting gears first and then releasing the handbrake. The same applies when parking—first engage the handbrake and then shift to P to protect the transmission. Developing this good habit not only ensures driving safety but also extends the vehicle's lifespan, especially in rainy or snowy weather or on crowded urban roads. Modern cars with electronic handbrakes usually release the handbrake automatically when shifting gears, reducing hassle, but manual operations should still follow this sequence.
When I first got my driver's license, I also struggled with this. Starting an automatic transmission car, the instructor repeatedly emphasized stepping on the foot brake, shifting to D gear, and then releasing the handbrake to start. The reason is that shifting gears prepares the vehicle with power to move, while releasing the handbrake actually releases the brake. If done in reverse, when starting on a slope in a shopping mall parking lot, the car will naturally roll. I once tried it myself—on a parking lot slope, I released the handbrake first before shifting gears, and the car started sliding backward, scaring me into quickly stepping on the brake. Since then, I've developed a habit: after ignition, step on the foot brake, shift to D gear, release the handbrake, and lightly press the accelerator to go. This sequence prevents accidents and protects both myself and the vehicle. New drivers often overlook this, causing the engine to strain or brake wear during startup. Practicing this a few times makes it a natural action. Cars with electronic handbrakes often automatically release the brake after shifting gears, simplifying the operation. In short, safety comes first—don't cut corners.
