When starting at a red light, should you release the clutch or brake first?

[Talia]

Under normal circumstances, when the car is on a flat road, there is no need to press the brake, so when starting, there is no so-called releasing the clutch or brake first. You can directly release the clutch to the semi-engagement position. However, during driving practice, instructors usually instruct to press the brake for safety reasons, in case the gear is not in neutral and the car lurches forward. Some people, however, are accustomed to starting with the brake, meaning they start the engine with the foot brake pressed or the handbrake engaged, and release the brake when the car shows signs of moving forward, thus completing the starting operation. Below are the relevant details: Foot brake start: With the foot brake pressed, depress the clutch, engage first gear, and when releasing the clutch to the semi-engagement position, the car body will slightly tremble, and the front of the car will lift. At this point, release the foot brake, and the car will start moving forward slowly. Handbrake start: When starting with the handbrake, there is no need to press the foot brake. This method is used on a slope where the handbrake is engaged to stabilize the parked car. The specific operation method is: hold the steering wheel steadily with the left hand, depress the clutch, engage first gear, place the right hand on the handbrake, release the clutch to the semi-engagement point, and immediately release the handbrake, allowing the car to move forward smoothly.