Should You Shift Gear or Release the Handbrake First When Driving?
2 Answers
When driving, you should shift into gear before releasing the handbrake to prevent the car from rolling forward or backward. Below is the correct driving procedure: 1. Insert the key, turn on the ignition, and start the car; 2. Fully depress the clutch with one foot and press the accelerator with the other, then shift into gear; 3. Release the handbrake, gently press the accelerator, and begin driving. Here is some related information about the handbrake: 1. The technical term for the handbrake is the auxiliary brake. Unlike the main braking system, it uses a steel cable connected to the rear brake shoes to apply braking force. Prolonged use of the handbrake can cause the steel cable to undergo plastic deformation, which is irreversible. This reduces its effectiveness over time and increases the handbrake's travel distance. 2. The handbrake system also includes a return spring. When the handbrake is engaged, the spring stretches; when released, the spring returns to its original length. With prolonged use, the spring can also undergo deformation.
I've been in the auto repair industry for many years and often get asked this question. Let me start with the conclusion: Whether it's an automatic or manual transmission, it's recommended to engage the gear before releasing the handbrake when starting. For automatic cars, the correct steps are: Press the brake to start the vehicle, shift to D or R gear, release the handbrake, and then smoothly apply the throttle to start. As for manual transmissions, after pressing the clutch to start, shift to 1st gear, first release the clutch to the half-engagement point, then release the handbrake—this is especially important for hill starts. This is because establishing the power connection between the transmission and the driveshaft before releasing the brake effectively prevents rolling. Although reversing the order on flat ground might not cause major issues, developing standardized operating habits is crucial—safety comes first. When parking, do the opposite: first apply the handbrake, then shift to P or neutral, so the transmission isn't under stress.
