Should You Shift Gears or Engage the Handbrake First When Driving?

[StNoah]

When driving, the sequence of shifting gears and engaging the handbrake mainly involves the following two scenarios: 1. For manual transmission vehicles, you should shift gears first and then release the handbrake. This is to prevent the vehicle from rolling backward if parked on a slope. By shifting gears before releasing the handbrake, you can avoid the issue of the car rolling. 2. For automatic transmission vehicles, the order does not matter—whether you shift gears first or engage the handbrake first, as long as safety is ensured. Additional details: 1. Manual transmission vehicles use a manual gear-shifting mechanical transmission to adjust speed, meaning the driver must manually move the gear lever to change the gear engagement inside the transmission, altering the gear ratio to shift. 2. Automatic transmission vehicles do not require the driver to manually shift gears; the vehicle automatically selects the appropriate gear based on driving speed and traffic conditions.

[ArielAnn]

I always think the sequence is crucial when driving, especially during startup. Safety first—it's best to pull the handbrake tight to ensure the car doesn't move, preventing accidents from rolling when shifting gears. This is particularly important on slopes, where a slight lapse can lead to sliding. After pressing the clutch, shift into first gear, slowly release the clutch while giving gas, and only release the handbrake once you feel the car has power. Many people rush to shift gears first, often resulting in stalling or transmission wear, which isn't worth it. I usually make a habit of checking the brake system more often, as regular maintenance can prevent many issues. In short, developing good startup habits can avoid a lot of trouble, especially for beginners—practicing a few times makes it smooth.

[Charlotte]

I was confused about this sequence when learning to drive. My instructor always emphasized pulling the handbrake first before shifting gears to prevent the car from suddenly moving and causing accidents. The steps are quite simple: after starting the engine, pull up the handbrake, press the clutch pedal, then shift into first gear, lightly tap the accelerator while slowly releasing the clutch. Once you feel the engine running smoothly, release the handbrake and start moving. After trying a few times, you'll understand—doing it the opposite way, like shifting gears first, can easily overload the engine and cause it to stall. As a beginner, I recommend practicing in an open area to get familiar with the clutch point, which makes driving much easier. Also, don’t forget to regularly check if the handbrake cable is rusty—maintaining your car can really improve your daily driving experience.

[DelColton]

After years of driving, I've developed my own rhythm: In most situations, I first engage the handbrake to stabilize the car, then shift gears to start, which is both efficient and safe. On flat roads, I sometimes opt for quicker operations to save time, but on slopes, strict sequence must be followed to prevent rolling. The handbrake secures the vehicle, making gear shifting smoother and avoiding jolts or accidental stalls. Once you get the hang of these simple steps, you'll find vehicle control becomes more precise.