Should You Shift Gear or Pull the Handbrake First When Driving a Manual Transmission Car?
3 Answers
When driving a manual transmission car, you should shift into gear first and then release the handbrake. Manual transmission car starting method: Fully depress the clutch with your left foot; shift the gear lever into 1st gear; turn on the left turn signal and honk to alert vehicles and pedestrians in front and behind; release the handbrake and gently lift the clutch with your left foot; lightly press the accelerator with the ball of your right foot to start. Manual transmission working principle: Shifting the gear lever changes the meshing position of the gears inside the transmission, altering the gear ratio to achieve speed changes. The gear lever can only be moved when the clutch is depressed. If the driver is skilled, a manual transmission car can accelerate and overtake faster than an automatic transmission car and is also more fuel-efficient.
I remember driving manual transmission cars for over 20 years. When parking, I always make it a habit to engage the handbrake first, then shift into gear. This keeps the car more stable and prevents it from sliding. Once on a slope, I didn't pay attention to the sequence and shifted into gear first, causing the car to suddenly roll back and nearly hit the vehicle behind me. Fortunately, I reacted quickly and stepped on the brake. Since then, I strictly follow this procedure: foot on brake > engage handbrake > finally shift into first gear or neutral. When starting, reverse the order: release the handbrake first, then shift into gear and press the accelerator. This is not just a good habit but also protects your transmission and braking system, extending their lifespan. Whether driving in the city or on mountain roads, this practice is crucial to avoid parking accidents, saving both money and hassle. Make this action second nature—safety always comes first. Don't think small details don't matter; once something goes wrong, regret comes too late.
When I first learned to drive, I was extremely nervous. The instructor kept emphasizing the parking sequence: first press the brake firmly, then pull the handbrake, and only then shift gears. I often got it wrong at first—once I forgot to pull the handbrake before shifting, and the car slid slightly on flat ground, which gave me a scare. After more practice, I developed a habit: when parking, first pull the handbrake to secure the car, then shift to neutral or first gear; when starting, release the handbrake before shifting to start moving. Beginners often overlook these steps, but doing them one by one can prevent minor accidents and help you gain more confidence in controlling the car. With more practice, muscle memory will develop, and you’ll remember that the core of safety is ensuring the car is completely stationary before letting go.
