Why do you need to pull the handbrake for 3 seconds when starting on a slope?
4 Answers
When the slope is relatively steep and the vehicle is heavy, the car will roll backward if the brake is not applied. Here is the relevant introduction: 1. Reason: If you use your foot to brake, there will be no foot to press the accelerator, and releasing the clutch will cause the engine to stall due to insufficient power. In such cases, it is necessary to pull the handbrake, which is safe and simple to operate. 2. Hill start: Hill start is a field test in the second subject of the driver's license test, which involves starting a vehicle parked on a steep slope upwards. The second subject test items include: stopping and starting on a slope, parallel parking, curve driving, right-angle turning, and reversing into a garage. The second and third subject tests are conducted in a combination of mandatory and optional items, with optional items randomly selected based on different vehicle types. Among them, the hill start is a mandatory content and can only be conducted after passing the stake test. Moreover, if the hill start is not passed, the following items in the second subject cannot be conducted.
The 3-second handbrake hold during hill starts is primarily to give drivers sufficient time to switch operations. After pressing the foot brake and pulling the handbrake, these 3 seconds allow you to calmly move your right foot from the brake to the accelerator. The biggest concern during hill starts is rolling backward - when releasing the foot brake, the car may roll back due to gravity, especially with manual transmissions that require clutch coordination. This 3-second buffer period prevents rushed operations while maintaining vehicle stillness. I always count to three before releasing the clutch and applying throttle, and haven't experienced any rollback since adopting this method. However, modern automatic transmission vehicles now feature hill-start assist that automatically holds the brake for these 3 seconds. New drivers are advised to practice this rhythm on gentle slopes several times.
Pulling the handbrake for 3 seconds is actually to compensate for human reaction time. Tests show that most people take about 2 seconds to move their foot from the brake to the accelerator, and the 3-second allowance provides a safety margin. I remember the first time I drove a manual transmission uphill, I released the handbrake in a hurry and the car rolled back, startling the truck behind me. The instructor said these 3 seconds are the golden time, enough for the right foot to press the gas and the left foot to release the clutch to the semi-engagement point. Now, even when driving an automatic, I’m in the habit of pulling the handbrake and waiting 3 seconds before moving—just enough time to check the rearview and adjust the steering wheel angle. Also, note that a frozen handbrake in winter may require more thawing time.
The key is to establish a transition period for the vehicle's braking force. When you press the foot brake and pull the handbrake, all the weight is on the handbrake. Releasing it suddenly can cause the car to roll back due to excessive release. A slow 3-second release allows the vehicle's center of gravity to gradually shift to the drive wheels. In older cars with loose handbrake springs, the 3-second period ensures the brake pads fully retract. This is especially important when parked on gravel slopes, as the 3 seconds can prevent tire slippage. I once tested starting without the handbrake, and the car rolled back half a meter. Later, I strictly waited 3 seconds before applying throttle, and even the steepest slopes felt rock-solid. Beginners are advised to start with the 3-second rule and can gradually reduce it to 2 seconds as they gain experience.
