Should You Shift Gears or Pull the Handbrake First When Starting the Car?
3 Answers
When starting the car, you should shift into gear first, then release the handbrake. Correct steps for starting the car: 1. After getting in the car, shift the gear lever into the starting gear. 2. Sound the horn, turn on the turn signal, and observe the front, sides, and rearview mirrors simultaneously. 3. Check for any pedestrians or vehicles behind you, and ensure there are no obstacles that might hinder starting. Pay special attention to safety. 4. Hold the steering wheel steady, activate the left turn signal, release the parking brake lever, and then start the car. Note: The reason for shifting into gear before releasing the handbrake when starting is to prevent the car from rolling backward.
I've been driving for over a decade and have developed a habit when parking: first press the brake, firmly engage the parking brake, then shift to P before turning off the engine. When starting the car, press the brake to ignite, shift to D, then release the parking brake to move off. Especially when parking on slopes, if you shift to P first, the vehicle's weight can get stuck in the transmission pawl, making it hard to relieve the pressure even after engaging the parking brake. Doing this long-term may cause the transmission to jam or produce abnormal noises, leading to repair costs of thousands. Starting by releasing the parking brake before shifting is also not advisable, as the car might roll if parked on a slope. Developing this sequence ensures easier car maintenance and a more secure driving experience.
During driving lessons, the instructor emphasizes the sequence of operations: when parking, you must engage the handbrake before shifting into gear. The principle is that the handbrake directly brakes the wheels, while the transmission lock mechanism is only auxiliary. When parking in a steep parking lot, remember to first engage the handbrake, wait for the slight body movement to stabilize, and then shift into P gear. When starting, step on the brake, shift into gear, and finally release the handbrake to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly. Manual transmission cars follow a similar procedure: engage the handbrake before shifting into neutral. Mastering these operations can protect the drivetrain, reduce the likelihood of repairs, and effectively extend the vehicle's lifespan.
