
Handbrake and gear shifting sequence is to shift into gear first and then pull the handbrake. Below are the relevant introductions: 1. Subject Two: Subject Two, also known as the small road test, is part of the motor vehicle driver's license , referred to as the field driving skill test subject. The test items for small cars C1 and C2 include five mandatory items: reversing into a parking space, parallel parking, stopping and starting on a slope, turning at a right angle, and driving through curves (commonly known as S-curves). Some regions also include a sixth item: high-speed card collection. Mastering the basic driving operation essentials and possessing the basic ability to control the vehicle; proficiently mastering the basic methods of field and road driving within the field, possessing the ability to reasonably use vehicle control components and correctly control the spatial position of the vehicle, and being able to accurately control the vehicle's driving position, speed, and route. 2. Preventing rollback: Shifting into gear first and then releasing the handbrake is to prevent the situation of the vehicle rolling back. If the handbrake is released first, the vehicle will be in neutral for a period before shifting into gear. If on an incline, the car in neutral may roll backward, leading to an accident.

I've been driving for over a decade and have developed a habit when parking: first press the brake and shift to neutral, then engage the handbrake firmly before releasing the foot brake, waiting until the vehicle comes to a complete stop before shifting to P mode. This operation transfers the vehicle's weight to the handbrake, protecting the transmission's locking mechanism. Especially when parking on slopes, if you shift directly to P mode, the transmission gears can get jammed tightly, resulting in a 'click' noise when shifting gears during the next startup. When starting off, always remember to press the brake first, shift to D mode, and then release the handbrake. This sequence prevents rolling and is particularly crucial for automatic transmission vehicles. Last week in an underground mall parking lot, I witnessed a car roll and hit the wall because the owner didn't engage the handbrake and shifted directly to P mode.

Last month, I accompanied a friend to repair an automatic transmission. The mechanic mentioned that incorrect gear shifting sequences are a common cause of damage. My current habit is: after stopping the car by pressing the brake and coming to a complete halt, I immediately shift to N (Neutral), engage the electronic parking brake, wait two seconds for the car to stabilize, and finally shift to P (Park) before turning off the engine. When starting, I first ignite the engine while pressing the brake, shift to D (Drive) until 'ready' is displayed, and then release the electronic parking brake. This way, the transmission gears bear almost no force, and the locking mechanism doesn't have to bear the car's weight when parked on a slope. I remember when driving a rental company's new car, the dashboard even prompted the correct sequence, indicating that manufacturers pay great attention to this detail.

During the driving test, the instructor repeatedly emphasized: After coming to a complete stop, first shift to Neutral (N), engage the handbrake, then release the foot brake. Only when the car doesn't move should you shift to Park (P). When starting, first press the brake to shift gears, then release the handbrake and press the accelerator. Last time, when driving a friend's old Regal, I didn't pay attention and directly shifted to P on a slope. As a result, when retrieving the car, the transmission was stuck and I had to step on the accelerator to free it, with the gears making a terrifying grinding noise. Now, driving a new energy vehicle is simpler, with the electronic handbrake automatically coordinating with gear shifts. But for older cars with mechanical gear levers, it's still more reliable to follow the old rules.

A female driver with five years of driving experience has summarized the most stable operations: for short stops at traffic lights, just step on the foot brake; for long stops or on slopes, always follow the full procedure—shift to Neutral (N), engage the parking brake (red light on), release the foot brake, and then shift to Park (P). Once in winter, she forgot to engage the parking brake and directly shifted to P while parked on a slope in her neighborhood. The next day, starting the car resulted in a loud 'clunk' from the transmission, which scared her badly. Now, she always follows a four-step routine when starting: step on the brake, shift gears, release the handbrake, check the rearview mirror, and then start, completely eliminating any fear of rolling back.

The auto repair shop owner taught me a trick: when parking, apply the handbrake with 80% force first, then release the foot brake to let the car move slightly and stop naturally. At this moment, all the weight is transferred to the handbrake, and then shifting to P gear provides double . When starting, it's better to be three seconds slower and make sure the gear is normal before releasing the handbrake. Last month, I drove an SUV to climb a mountain, and the wrong sequence of starting on a slope caused the car to roll back, almost hitting a tree. Now, I recite the steps like a beginner every time—safety is much more important than pride.


