Start the Engine First or Release the Handbrake First?
5 Answers
Start the engine first and then release the handbrake. Here is relevant information: 1. Suburban roads: There are many intersections, so be alert for motorcycles or bicycles suddenly emerging from side roads. Avoid driving too close to the right boundary, leaving sufficient safety margin. 2. When pedestrians (especially elderly or children) are present: Maintain high vigilance, keep a safe distance, and control your speed. 3. Urban roads: With heavy traffic and numerous traffic lights, practice courteous driving without lane cutting. Familiarize yourself with intersections in advance and enter the correct lane early. When passing stopped vehicles (especially buses), watch for passengers crossing the road from the front of the vehicle.
I've been driving for twenty years and always adhere to the habit of starting the engine before releasing the handbrake—it's fundamental safety practice. I remember once in a steep parking lot during my novice days, I hastily released the handbrake first, causing the car to roll and nearly hit a wall. Fortunately, I braked in time to avoid an accident. Since then, I've summarized the key steps: insert the key or press the start button, depress the brake or clutch (especially crucial for manual transmissions), start the engine to stabilize the car, wait for the dashboard indicators to show normal status, then release the handbrake. This ensures the vehicle remains under control, preventing gravity-induced sliding. Particularly on slopes, engine braking helps secure the position. Once this becomes routine, the operation flows smoothly and naturally, avoiding unexpected risks while also prolonging the handbrake's lifespan. These simple daily steps effectively protect both yourself and your beloved car.
When I first started learning to drive, I used to be confused about the sequence, thinking it didn’t matter. Later, my coach explained in detail: you must first start the engine to get the whole car ready, ensuring the power supply system works properly, and then release the handbrake to move. On the contrary, if you release the handbrake first, the car lacks power control and may move on its own, potentially causing a collision with obstacles or pedestrians, especially on slopes or in garages. Now, I follow a fixed routine every time I get in the car: adjust the seat and fasten the seatbelt, press the brake (for automatic transmission), start the engine and check the dashboard lights, and only release the handbrake after confirming no abnormalities. This simple and reliable routine has helped me reduce beginner mistakes, and now I drive with much more confidence.
Safety comes first when driving, so I recommend the standard sequence: start the engine first, then release the handbrake. Starting the engine puts the car into operational mode, while releasing the handbrake disengages the braking system. If done the other way around—for example, when parked on a slope—the car may start rolling freely after releasing the handbrake, and a delayed ignition could make it difficult to regain control, potentially leading to accidents or component damage. For automatic transmission drivers, simply press the brake pedal; manual transmission drivers should also press the clutch pedal. Developing this habit is easy to master, ensuring a smooth and safe start every time.
As someone who frequently travels with family, I place great emphasis on operational details: starting the engine before releasing the handbrake is a crucial step. For instance, when parking on steep slopes in the community, releasing the handbrake first might cause the car to roll and collide with a neighbor's vehicle or a wall. Starting the engine first allows the engine brake to help stabilize the car. When teaching my child the basics of driving, I also stress the sequence: sit firmly and press the brake (for automatic transmission), start the engine and check that the dashboard indicators are normal, then release the handbrake for a smooth start. Developing these preventive habits in daily life reduces potential dangers, making family trips safer and worry-free.
