Should You Shift Gear or Release the Handbrake First When Starting an Automatic Transmission Car?

[Ronnie]

When starting an automatic transmission car, you should shift gear first and then release the handbrake, primarily for safety reasons. In practice, releasing the handbrake before shifting gear makes no difference to the starting process and has no impact—the car won't fail to start just because the handbrake was released first. The reason for this sequence is to ensure the vehicle doesn't move and to avoid unnecessary trouble. The safe way to start is: press the foot brake, shift to D gear, release the handbrake, then release the foot brake, and finally press the accelerator to start. For automatic transmission models equipped with an electronic handbrake, most vehicles will automatically release the electronic handbrake when the doors are closed, seat belts are fastened, and the accelerator is lightly pressed while the engine is idling. For manual transmission models with an electronic handbrake, the system will also automatically release the electronic handbrake during startup based on the coordination between the accelerator and clutch.

[MayaFitz]

I've been driving automatic transmission cars for over a decade, and the starting procedure is actually simple but crucial. The correct approach is to first press the brake pedal, shift to D gear, and then gradually release the handbrake. This sequence is important because releasing the handbrake directly can cause the car to roll back on slopes, which is particularly dangerous. Especially when queuing on underground garage ramps waiting to pay, this operation is the safest. I once saw a car in a shopping mall's underground garage roll back and hit a wall because the driver released the handbrake first. Some newer cars have an auto-hold function, so you can just press the accelerator, but traditional mechanical handbrake cars must follow this sequence. Once it becomes a habit, you don't even need to think about it—it's done effortlessly.

[DelAriana]

As someone with a background in mechanical repair, I've seen numerous transmission repair cases. Starting an automatic transmission vehicle must follow the sequence of pressing the foot brake - shifting into gear - releasing the handbrake. Failing to do so can cause significant damage to the drivetrain. Suddenly releasing the handbrake before shifting puts unnecessary impact loads on the transmission gears, which may lead to premature wear of the valve body over time. I once repaired a vehicle with frequent gear engagement issues and found the owner had the habit of releasing the handbrake before shifting. This practice is particularly harmful during cold starts when the oil hasn't fully circulated for proper lubrication. Additionally, when parking, always engage the handbrake before shifting to P to avoid excessive stress on the locking mechanism.

[DelKennedy]

I remember when I was a beginner learning to drive an automatic transmission car, the instructor repeatedly emphasized that the brake pedal must be fully depressed before shifting gears. The correct starting procedure should be: sit firmly and fasten the seatbelt, keep the right foot steadily pressing the brake pedal, then use the fingers to press the shift button and move it to the D gear, and finally release the handbrake or turn off the electronic parking brake. Throughout the entire process, the brake pedal should not be released, ensuring the smoothest and safest start for the car. Last month, when teaching my cousin to drive, I focused on him practicing this sequence, and now he has developed muscle memory for it. This logic also applies to brief stops at traffic lights; when starting again, you should still press the brake, shift gears, and then apply the accelerator.

[HenryLynn]

The most important thing about driving an automatic transmission is preventing rollback accidents. I live in Chongqing, a mountainous city, where hill starts are a daily occurrence. Through practice, the safest sequence is: press the foot brake firmly, shift to D gear, then release the handbrake and immediately step on the gas. Never release the handbrake first—last time on a steep slope in the neighborhood, a neighbor's car rolled back and hit a flower bed. When stopped at a red light, if the auto start-stop is active, always confirm the gear is in D before releasing the foot brake when starting again. Also, a reminder: cars with hill-start assist have a 2-second brake hold after releasing the foot brake, during which you should quickly shift and accelerate. Developing good habits is key to avoiding fender benders.