What is the sequence of applying the handbrake and shifting gears when driving?
4 Answers
For a manual transmission car when parking, first shift the gear to neutral, then firmly apply the handbrake. For an automatic transmission car when parking, first shift into P (Park), then firmly apply the handbrake. Below is relevant information about the handbrake and gear shifting: 1. Handbrake: The parking brake, commonly referred to as the handbrake, functions to provide resistance to the car when parked, preventing it from rolling. The parking brake, whether it's the handbrake or the parking gear in an automatic transmission, locks the drive shaft or rear wheels. The parking brake exerts much less force compared to the service brake, only sufficient to prevent the car from rolling on slopes. 2. Gear Shifting: Gear shifting refers to the transmission, which is used to alter the torque and speed of the engine crankshaft to meet the varying needs of traction and speed for the driving wheels under different driving conditions such as starting, accelerating, driving, and overcoming various road obstacles.
As a driver with twenty years of experience, I can say that the sequence of using the handbrake and shifting gears is crucial for safety. When parking, I always press the brake pedal first to stabilize the car, then shift into neutral or park (if it's an automatic transmission), followed by pulling the handbrake tightly to prevent rolling back, and finally turning off the engine. The same applies when starting the car: press the brake pedal, release the handbrake, shift into drive or reverse, and slowly release the brake to move. I've seen many beginners forget to release the handbrake before pressing the accelerator, resulting in damaged transmissions and repair costs of thousands of dollars. Especially on slopes, if the sequence is wrong, the car may suddenly roll back and cause an accident. Developing this habit not only protects the vehicle but also prevents accidents. Remember to keep every operation consistent—safety always comes first when driving.
When I first started learning to drive, my instructor kept emphasizing not to mix up the sequence of the handbrake and gear shifting. When parking, you should first press the brake pedal to bring the car to a complete stop, then shift into the appropriate gear such as P (Park) or Neutral, and finally pull up the handbrake to ensure the vehicle doesn't move. When starting off, you must reverse the process: press the brake, release the handbrake, and only then shift into gear to move. At first, I was lazy and would shift gears before releasing the handbrake, which once nearly caused me to hit a wall in the garage—scary! The reasoning is simple: doing it the right way prevents sudden vehicle movement that could shock the transmission, especially in slippery conditions like rain or snow. I recommend slowly forming the habit; practice it a few times and it'll become second nature. Safety is the most important thing when driving.
From a technical perspective, the correct sequence is to shift into gear before applying the handbrake when parking, and to release the handbrake before shifting into gear when starting. Why? Because the handbrake primarily secures the rear wheels, preventing overload on the transmission; incorrect sequencing may wear out the clutch or braking system. For automatic transmission vehicles, applying the handbrake before shifting into P protects the gears, while manual transmission follows a similar principle to ensure safety.
