What is the sequence between releasing the handbrake and shifting gears when driving?
4 Answers
When driving, you should first shift into gear and then release the handbrake. Below is a detailed explanation of the driving sequence: 1. Reason: The road surface when parking is not always completely flat. When starting off, if you release the handbrake first, it can easily cause the car to roll forward or backward, leading to dangerous situations. When parking, you should first engage the handbrake and then shift into gear to prevent rolling and avoid dangerous situations. 2. Overview of the handbrake: The professional term for the handbrake is the auxiliary brake. Unlike the main brake system, it uses a steel cable connected to the rear brake shoes to apply braking force to the vehicle. Prolonged use of the handbrake can cause the steel cable to undergo plastic deformation. Since this deformation is irreversible, long-term use will reduce its effectiveness, and the handbrake's travel distance will also increase.
When parking, I always firmly press the brake pedal first to ensure the vehicle comes to a complete stop, then shift into neutral or P gear, and finally engage the parking brake. When starting off, I press the brake pedal first, release the parking brake, and then shift into drive or reverse gear. Doing these steps in the wrong order can lead to serious issues. For example, when parking on a slope, if you engage P gear before applying the parking brake, the full weight of the vehicle will rest on the transmission's locking mechanism. This might cause it to jam or damage components when you try to move again, or even lead to dangerous rolling. Developing this habit is essential. Based on my years of driving experience, it effectively protects car parts and reduces unnecessary repair costs, especially in hilly urban areas where a single oversight could cause an accident. That's why I always follow the correct sequence when parking to ensure safety and peace of mind—it saves both trouble and money.
The sequence is crucial when driving. I make it a habit to shift to N or P gear after coming to a complete stop with the brakes, then engage the handbrake. For starting, I press the brake, release the handbrake, and then shift gears. I remember when I first started driving, I wasn't as careful. Once on a slope, I forgot the sequence, and the car rolled a few meters, nearly hitting something nearby. I've learned my lesson since then. Once you develop good habits, they become second nature, requiring no extra thought. Many people think it doesn't matter, but getting the sequence wrong can easily damage the transmission, and replacing parts can cost thousands. A friend of mine learned this the hard way. A few simple steps can prevent this—safe driving starts with the details, so don't cut corners for convenience.
From a mechanical perspective, when parking, you should first engage the handbrake to bear the load, then shift into P gear; when starting, release the handbrake before shifting gears. This protects the transmission from locking up or damage. The same principle applies to manual transmissions: engage the handbrake before shifting into neutral. The rationale is that the braking system, not the transmission, should bear the gravitational force. Doing it wrong accelerates part wear. Developing the right sequence extends lifespan, saving money and hassle.
