Should You Shift Gear or Release the Handbrake First When Starting a Car?

[LaTyler]

When starting a car, you should shift gear first and then release the handbrake. This is to prevent the vehicle from rolling backward if it is parked on a slope. Releasing the handbrake first could cause the car to roll, but shifting gear first and then releasing the handbrake helps avoid this issue. Key points for starting the car: Fasten your seatbelt, adjust the seat, quickly press the clutch pedal all the way down, and shift into first gear. Turn on the left turn signal, check your surroundings, and then release the handbrake. Lift the clutch pedal to the semi-engaged position, pause slightly, then slowly release the clutch while gently pressing the accelerator. Before starting a manual transmission car, the driver should first press the clutch pedal to disengage the clutch, separating the engine from the drivetrain. Then, shift the transmission into gear and gradually release the clutch pedal to engage the clutch. During this process, the resistance torque on the engine gradually increases, so the accelerator pedal should be pressed gradually to maintain a stable engine speed and prevent stalling.