Should You Shift Gears or Engage the Handbrake First When Starting the Car?

[VonZoey]

For automatic transmission vehicles, shift gears first and then engage the handbrake when starting. Here are some precautions for driving an automatic transmission car: 1. Normal roads: There are no specific requirements for gear selection; simply keep the car in D (Drive) mode for regular driving. 2. Parking: When the engine is turned off, shift to P (Park) mode to indicate the car is no longer in use. Some vehicles require shifting to P mode to remove the key. 3. Reversing: After pressing the brake to stop the car from moving forward, shift to R (Reverse) mode. Gently releasing the brake will allow the car to move backward. 4. Waiting while parked or driving in congested traffic: You can shift to N (Neutral) mode. 5. Highways or when overtaking at high speeds: Shift to S (Sport) mode. S mode is the car's sport setting, allowing free gear changes like D mode. It can also be used for climbing hills, as this mode provides maximum torque output and acceleration.

[VonLola]

When I first got my driver's license last year and was learning manual transmission, my instructor kept reminding me every day: you must press the clutch first, shift into first gear, then slowly release the clutch while gently applying the throttle. Only when the car starts to slightly tremble or shows signs of movement should you release the handbrake. If you release the handbrake first and then shift gears on flat ground, the car will move reluctantly and is prone to stalling. If you forget the sequence on a slope, the car might even roll back, which is extremely dangerous. Back then, I often made mistakes. Once at the entrance of my neighborhood, I pulled the handbrake first and then shifted gears, causing the car to shake and roll back to the roadside—it was quite a scare. Now that I'm used to it, everything feels much smoother, and it even saves a bit of fuel. I recommend beginners practice this fundamental skill more to avoid accidents.

[LeEllie]

Having driven a manual transmission car for nearly thirty years, my experience is that you must never get the starting sequence wrong: pressing the clutch and engaging first gear are top priorities. Then, gradually release the clutch while gently pressing the accelerator, and only release the handbrake when you feel the car is about to move. This sequence is especially crucial on slopes, or else rolling back could cause trouble. On flat ground, occasionally being lazy and releasing the handbrake first makes the car start jerkily and wears out the clutch plates. Automatic transmissions are different—just shift to D, release the handbrake, and press the accelerator, and you're done. When I was young and learning to drive, I often overlooked these steps, but now they've become second nature—safe and worry-free. In short, the key lies in rhythm control; coordinate your hands and brain well, and starting will be smooth.

[VanAlan]

As a daily commuter driver, what I value most when driving in the city is safe starting: shifting gears before releasing the handbrake is crucial. For manual transmissions, press the clutch, shift into gear, then coordinate releasing the clutch and applying the throttle before letting go of the handbrake. Otherwise, even slight unevenness in parking lots can lead to loss of control and premature wear on the brake system. With automatic transmissions, it's simpler—shift to D and release the brake directly. After developing this habit, I've never had a stalled start again.

[Dominick]

I often ponder the principles of car operation, and the starting sequence is quite particular: with a manual transmission, first engage the gear to lock the gears, then use the clutch to control power transmission; if the handbrake is released first, the car may idle or slide, and the sudden engagement of gears can cause impact and damage components. Starting on a slope requires even more attention to pre-loading to avoid rolling. Automatic transmissions don't have this issue—just shift into gear and release the brake. Understanding these details makes driving more reassuring.

[DiKimberly]

When teaching my daughter to drive, I always emphasize the starting sequence: press the clutch, shift into first gear, slowly release the clutch while giving it some gas, and release the handbrake when you feel the car is about to move. Releasing the handbrake first can cause the car to roll back on a slope or move unsteadily on flat ground, which can be scary for beginners. Getting into the habit of doing it correctly protects the transmission and boosts driving confidence. A few practice runs and she'll get the hang of it.