Should You Shift Gear or Engage the Handbrake First When Getting in the Car?
4 Answers
When getting in the car, you should shift gear first and then engage the handbrake. This is to prevent the car from rolling back when starting on an uphill slope. The correct method to engage the handbrake is: 1. Press the handbrake button before pulling it up; 2. Apply gentle force when pulling the handbrake; 3. The handbrake should be engaged to about 70% of its full capacity, as pulling it all the way to the top will shorten the lifespan of the handbrake cable. The dangers of forgetting to engage the handbrake while driving include: 1. The brake pump cannot provide sufficient braking force, causing the engine to stall; 2. Accelerated wear of the brake disc and hardening of the brake pads due to friction heat; 3. Stretching of the handbrake cable; 4. Leakage of brake caliper fluid, leading to brake failure.
With over 30 years of driving experience, getting into a car should be as methodical as a seasoned pro: first start the engine to ensure the car wakes up, then firmly press the brake, release the handbrake, and finally shift into gear to start moving. This sequence works for both manual and automatic transmissions—the key is to prevent the vehicle from rolling. Imagine if you forgot to press the brake before shifting into gear while starting—the car might suddenly move, and that could be dangerous. So make it a habit to check your surroundings and fasten your seatbelt every time you get in the car. Some modern cars have electronic parking brakes that release automatically, but still, stay alert—don’t get so distracted by the music that you forget basic safety. Whether driving long distances or on suburban roads, this routine reduces transmission wear and extends the car’s lifespan. In short, safety comes first—don’t cut corners. Practice a few times, and it’ll become second nature.
As a tech enthusiast, I've noticed when driving a hybrid: after starting the engine, the vehicle systems automatically engage. When I press the brake and shift gears, the electronic parking brake releases silently—whether you shift first or release the handbrake first isn't set in stone. Modern designs make driving more convenient, like in Tesla or Toyota hybrids—you just focus on pressing the accelerator to go, rarely touching the handbrake button. But manual transmissions are different: it's advisable to press the clutch before releasing the handbrake to prevent rolling. From my experience, adjusting the seat and mirrors before driving matters more than the sequence. For daily city commutes, knowing your car's functions saves time; even in traffic jams, starting up won't be stressful. Trying different models reveals varied designs and operations, but the core is ensuring a smooth, risk-free process.
Since becoming a father, I drive with extra caution: Before setting off, I first ensure the floor mats are properly placed, then start the engine quietly, followed by releasing the handbrake before shifting into gear and moving forward. This sequence is the cornerstone of safety, as failing to release the handbrake before shifting could cause the car to lurch forward unexpectedly, startling my family. The key is to always press the brake when starting the car—make it a habit, never rush. Additionally, for beginners: manual transmission cars require shifting to neutral first before any operation, while automatic transmission drivers should pay attention to dashboard prompts. Buckling up is another often-overlooked step—an extra second spent can halve the risk of accidents. Whether it's daily school runs or driving in the rain, safety equals happiness, and these procedures must become second nature.
