Should You Shift Gear or Release the Handbrake First Before Driving?

[Blakely]

Before driving, you should shift gear first and then release the handbrake. The main reason is that the road surface may not be completely flat, and there could be issues with the vehicle's throttle or clutch. Shifting gear before releasing the handbrake helps prevent the car from rolling forward or backward, thereby avoiding potential hazards. For manual transmission vehicles on a downhill slope: 1. Generally, shift to 2nd gear for moderate slopes; 2. Shift to 3rd gear for slopes steeper than 30 degrees; 3. Shift to 4th or 5th gear when going up or down elevated roads. The handbrake is a crucial component of the vehicle's braking system, serving the following purposes: 1. When parking, pulling the handbrake keeps the car stationary and prevents it from rolling downhill; 2. Applying the handbrake while turning during driving can create a drifting effect; 3. In emergencies, the handbrake can be used as a brake.