Should You Shift Gears or Engage the Handbrake First When Starting a Car?
3 Answers
When starting a car, first engage the handbrake, then shift to P gear, and press the accelerator to start. For automatic transmission models with an electronic handbrake, after closing the door, fastening the seatbelt, and with the engine idling, pressing the accelerator will automatically release the electronic handbrake. The specific reasons are as follows: 1. The letter 'P' in P gear stands for 'park,' meaning parking gear. When in P gear, a pawl installed on the transmission housing engages with the internal gears of the transmission, locking the entire transmission drive components and the car's entire drive system to prevent situations like the car rolling away if the handbrake is forgotten. 2. The handbrake activates the braking system, locking the wheels to secure the vehicle.
Every time a student asks me this question, I emphasize the safety sequence. After sitting in the driver's seat, first press the brake pedal firmly, then start the engine by turning the ignition, and depress the clutch fully to engage first gear. At this point, keep your eyes on the dashboard to confirm the handbrake indicator light is still on. Release the foot brake and gently lift the clutch until the front of the car slightly trembles, then slowly release the handbrake completely. Remember, hill starts must be assisted by the handbrake, otherwise rolling backward is too dangerous. Nowadays, friends driving automatic transmissions have it much easier—just shift to D, release the handbrake, and step on the gas to go. Finally, a reminder: never forget to release the handbrake when starting on a slope. Last week, a student still managed to burn the handbrake pads, producing a burnt smell.
Ladies, don't be intimidated by these steps. I once got scolded by my husband for forgetting to release the handbrake. After fastening your seatbelt and starting the car, press the brake pedal and shift into first gear while simultaneously releasing the handbrake lever. On flat ground, you can release it completely, but on slopes like shopping mall underground parking ramps, wait until you feel the car about to move before releasing. A friend of mine once drove two kilometers before noticing a burning smell - the repair shop said her brake pads had turned blue from overheating. Actually, with practice it becomes as natural as unlocking your phone - left foot fully depresses the clutch, right hand shifts gears, left hand releases the handbrake - the whole sequence takes just 2-3 seconds.
