When driving a manual transmission car, should you release the handbrake first or shift gears first?
3 Answers
When driving a manual transmission car, you should shift gears first and then release the handbrake. The correct method to start a manual transmission car is: 1. Press the clutch pedal completely with your left foot; 2. Shift the gear lever into first gear; 3. Turn on the left turn signal and honk the horn to alert vehicles and pedestrians in front and behind; 4. Release the handbrake and gently lift the clutch with your left foot; 5. Lightly press the accelerator with the ball of your right foot to start. The gears of a manual transmission are: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and reverse. The working principle of a manual transmission is: by manually moving the gear lever, the gear engagement position inside the transmission can be changed, altering the gear ratio to achieve the purpose of shifting.
When starting a manual transmission car, I always insist on pressing the clutch and shifting into first gear before releasing the handbrake. This habit has kept me safe for over a decade. The principle is: After shifting, the engine provides braking force to the wheels through the transmission, preventing the car from rolling backward. If you release the handbrake first on a slope, the car can easily slide, potentially scraping barriers or even causing accidents. I've driven in mountainous areas and witnessed beginners forgetting the sequence, leading to their cars rolling downhill and incurring repair costs exceeding ten thousand yuan. Developing this habit brings extra peace of mind in rainy or snowy conditions – when roads are slippery, vehicle control becomes especially crucial. Sometimes skipping steps on flat ground might seem harmless, but safety comes first, after all, the car is your precious possession. Combining the footbrake during startup is even better: After pressing the clutch and shifting, gradually release the clutch while applying throttle for a smooth and steady start.
I've been driving manual transmission for over thirty years, and I always follow the sequence of engaging the gear first and then releasing the handbrake—a lesson learned the hard way. When I was younger, I once released the handbrake first on a slope, and the car instantly rolled back, hitting a tree. It took several days to get it fixed. Since then, I strictly follow the steps: press the clutch, shift into first gear, and release the handbrake while simultaneously applying throttle to start. Engine braking helps stabilize the car, which is especially crucial in crowded parking lots or on steep slopes. On flat ground, it might not seem like a big deal, but bad habits are hard to break—a friend of mine learned this the hard way when his car slid into a ditch on a rainy day. Driving is like life; details determine success or failure. Don’t cut corners for convenience—safe driving ensures an enjoyable journey. In daily life, checking tire pressure and handbrake performance can also prevent accidents.
