When starting to reverse into a parking space, should you release the clutch or brake first?
3 Answers
When starting to reverse into a parking space, release the clutch first. The details are as follows. Reason: For manual transmission cars, releasing the clutch is to make the car start moving and reverse into the parking space. If you press the brake, the car will stop, and stopping midway will result in a 5-point deduction. Therefore, when starting to reverse into a parking space, you should release the clutch first and not press the brake. Key points for starting to reverse into a parking space: When reversing from the starting point into the parking space, the driver should first adjust the seat and rearview mirrors and fasten the seat belt after getting into the car. Then, shift the car into reverse gear, release the parking brake lever, and slowly release the clutch. After the car starts moving, let it reverse at idle speed. The driver should observe the vehicle through the right rear window. When the black edge of the right rear window aligns with the right boundary line of the parking space, turn the steering wheel steadily to the right to the limit position. After the car enters the parking space, the driver should look back and observe the left rearview mirror. When the entire left boundary line of the parking space appears, immediately straighten the steering wheel. When the left door handle is level with the bottom line of the parking space as seen in the left rearview mirror, stop the car immediately.
When starting a manual transmission car for reverse parking, you need to first release the clutch to the semi-engagement point before releasing the brake. Why? Because if you release the brake before the clutch reaches the right position, the car will either stay still or roll backward, especially on a slope, which can be dangerous. Here's the correct sequence: Press the clutch and brake firmly with your left foot → Shift into reverse gear → Slowly lift the clutch with your left foot until the car body slightly vibrates (semi-engagement) → Then gradually release the brake with your right foot. Once you feel the car moving backward smoothly, keep the clutch steady with your left foot to control the speed. If you need to pause during reversing, immediately press both the brake and clutch firmly. Driving instructors emphasize this method repeatedly, and with enough practice, it becomes muscle memory.
The sequence for starting a reverse parking maneuver is actually quite particular. First, I gently release the clutch to the semi-engagement point, then slowly release the brake, and the car starts reversing smoothly. If done the opposite way by releasing the brake first, the car would definitely roll back on a slope, and even on flat ground, it's prone to stalling. I remember messing up the sequence during my first drive, resulting in a loud bang against the pole. Now, I’ve developed the habit of finding the semi-engagement point first: when lifting the clutch, listen for the engine sound becoming heavier and feel the car body slightly trembling—that’s when it’s properly engaged, and releasing the brake at this point is the safest. Throughout the process, avoid lifting the clutch too quickly; move it bit by bit, like pulling out building blocks.
