Should You Shift Gear or Release the Handbrake First When Starting a Car?
3 Answers
When starting a car, you should shift gear first. The correct method for starting a manual transmission car is: 1. Fully depress the clutch pedal; 2. Push the gear lever to engage first gear; 3. Gently press the turn signal lever downward to activate the left turn signal, alerting vehicles in front and behind; 4. Press the horn button to notify pedestrians in front of the vehicle that you are about to start; 5. Release the manual handbrake; 6. Lift your left foot slowly until the clutch reaches the half-engaged position, causing the vehicle to vibrate slightly; 7. As the vehicle begins to move, fully release the clutch and gently press the accelerator. A manual transmission works by using the shift fork to change the gear ratio of the meshing gears, thereby altering the driving torque to suit different driving conditions.
I remember when I was first learning to drive, the instructor always emphasized that the starting sequence must not be messed up: after getting in the car, sit firmly first, make sure the gear is in neutral (for manual transmission) or P (for automatic transmission), and the handbrake is pulled up. Only then turn the key to start the engine. After starting, wait a few seconds for the engine to stabilize, then press the brake pedal. Next, shift into the driving gear, such as 1st gear for manual transmission or D or R for automatic transmission. Finally, slowly release the handbrake and gradually let go of the brake to start moving. This sequence is very important because if you release the handbrake before shifting into gear, and the gear isn't properly engaged, the vehicle might suddenly move, causing an accident, especially on uneven terrain. I personally experienced the car rolling backward on a slope, which scared me into a cold sweat. After developing this habit, driving became much safer, and it also helps protect the car's transmission from wear and tear.
I've been driving for over twenty years and always stick to this sequence: before starting, ensure the gear is in P (for automatic) or neutral (for manual), and the handbrake must be firmly engaged. After ignition, wait until the engine sound stabilizes, then firmly press the brake pedal and steadily shift to the drive position, such as D gear. Only then release the handbrake to start moving. Many people take shortcuts by releasing the brake before shifting, but that's highly risky—the vehicle might creep unnoticed, potentially causing trouble if there are pedestrians or vehicles behind. Once on a rainy day in my youth, I nearly hit a wall due to reversing the sequence, and since then, I've never dared to take risks. Safe driving is a long-term habit—don't let small oversights lead to big mistakes.
