When starting a manual transmission car, should you release the handbrake first or shift into gear first?
3 Answers
When starting a manual transmission car, you should shift into gear first. The correct starting method is: 1. Turn on the ignition switch and start the engine; 2. Press the clutch pedal, shift the gear lever into first gear, and release the handbrake; 3. Slowly lift the clutch pedal while pressing the accelerator. A manual transmission car refers to a vehicle that uses a manual gear-shifting mechanical transmission to adjust speed. It requires manually moving the gear lever to change the gear meshing position inside the transmission, altering the gear ratio to achieve speed change. Manual transmission gears can be divided into: 1. First gear is the starting gear, used when the car begins to move; 2. Second gear is the passing gear; 3. Third gear is the transition gear; 4. Fourth gear is the driving gear; 5. Fifth gear is the high-speed gear.
When I was learning to drive, my instructor repeatedly emphasized the manual transmission starting sequence: always engage the gear first before releasing the handbrake! This is no trivial matter, especially when starting on a slope. If you release the handbrake first, the car will immediately roll backward, which is extremely dangerous. First, press the clutch and shift into first gear to engage the gears and prepare to transmit power. Then release the handbrake, gently lift the clutch, and give it some gas, and the car will start smoothly. I’ve seen too many beginners fail their driving test on the slope because of this sequence. Also, when turning off the engine, remember to shift back to neutral before pulling the handbrake, otherwise, the car might lurch when starting next time. After developing this habit, I now feel confident even when driving on steep mountain roads.
With over a decade of manual transmission experience, the correct starting sequence is definitely to shift gears first and then release the handbrake. Think about it - the handbrake is like the final safety lock. After shifting gears, the engine's power is already connected to the driveshaft. Releasing the handbrake at this point allows the car to move immediately. If you do it the other way around - releasing the handbrake first and then slowly shifting gears - you'll absolutely roll backward on a slope. Once when I was queuing in a mall's underground garage, the car ahead suddenly moved forward. I instinctively released the handbrake to follow, but forgot I hadn't shifted gears yet - the car immediately rolled backward and almost hit the vehicle behind me. Since then, I've developed a smooth operation habit: press clutch - shift to first gear - release handbrake - partially engage clutch while giving gas. The whole set of actions takes just three seconds. Remember, the handbrake indicator light on the dashboard must go out before it's fully released.
