What is the sequence of clutch and handbrake when starting the car?
3 Answers
It's essential to remember the general knowledge for starting the car: first press the clutch, second shift the gear, third turn on the indicator, fourth honk the horn, fifth release the handbrake. Here is some extended knowledge about car starting: Before starting, check if the doors are closed. Ensure the seat belt is fastened before starting, and observe the rearview mirrors to confirm safety on both the left and right sides of the vehicle. Turn on the left indicator in advance before starting, and release the parking brake lever simultaneously when starting. When starting, control the accelerator pedal appropriately, avoiding rapid acceleration to prevent the vehicle from jerking. Use a low gear when starting.
I always pay close attention to the starting sequence, as safety comes first. I begin by fully depressing the clutch pedal, which disengages the engine from the wheels. Then, I shift into first gear to prepare for power delivery. The crucial step is releasing the handbrake—if you don't release it first, the car will get stuck and won't move at all. After releasing the handbrake, I gradually ease off the clutch while gently applying some throttle, allowing the car to start smoothly. On slopes, extra caution is needed: I first depress the clutch and engage the gear, then slowly release the clutch until I feel a slight vibration in the car body before adding throttle and simultaneously releasing the handbrake. This prevents the car from rolling backward. Remember, getting the sequence wrong can easily lead to stalling or damaging components. Developing this habit makes driving much smoother.
When I was learning to drive, I was most afraid of messing up the start. The instructor emphasized the steps: first, press the clutch pedal all the way down and shift into first gear. Then quickly release the handbrake—don’t just focus on the clutch and forget this, otherwise the car won’t move and will waste fuel. After releasing the handbrake, slowly lift the clutch pedal until you feel the engagement point, then gently press the accelerator to start. At first, I accidentally forgot to release the handbrake, causing the car to make grinding noises and stall several times. But once I mastered the sequence, like practicing flat-road starts in the neighborhood, I became very proficient—even hill starts are smooth now. Practice is key—don’t be afraid of making mistakes.
