When starting at a red light, should you release the clutch or brake first?
3 Answers
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.
When starting from a red light, I always lift the clutch pedal to the semi-engagement point first, feeling slight vibration or power response from the car, then gradually release the brake while gently applying some throttle. This ensures smooth starts, preventing engine stalling or vehicle rollback. Having driven manual transmissions for over a decade in city traffic with frequent red lights, this technique minimizes body shake and avoids startling following vehicles. Common beginner mistakes include only lifting the clutch or releasing the brake first, which often leads to stalling or rolling. I recommend practicing clutch engagement points in open areas, maintaining comfortable seating posture with heels naturally resting on pedals. On slopes, the handbrake can assist, but clutch control remains central to power transfer. Ultimately, this sequence is key to safe starts - it saves fuel while making the entire driving process smoother.
As a beginner driver, I deeply understand the panic when starting at a red light. The safest approach is: first lift the clutch to the semi-engaged position, wait for the engine sound to change or the car body to slightly move, then slowly release the brake and gently press the accelerator. If you release the brake first, the car may roll back or jerk, especially at intersections with frequent traffic signals. I used to make mistakes and stalled several times at first, but later my instructor emphasized this sequence and I mastered it. Beginners are advised to practice on flat roads to avoid confusion in heavy traffic. You can also observe the green light timing in advance and prepare to press the clutch and shift gears before the signal changes, making the start smoother. With more practice, you'll develop sensitivity in controlling the clutch, the car will respond faster, and you'll reduce wear during stops and starts. Remember, safety first—don't chase speed.
