When starting the engine, what should you do?

When starting the engine, what should you do?

• A. Put your foot on the gas
• B. Press the clutch
• C. Turn on parking lights
• D. Put your foot on the brake

Answer: (D)

Starting the engine safely centers on keeping the car from moving. You should have your foot on the brake because it prevents any unintentional movement as the engine starts, and many vehicles require the brake to be engaged to allow the ignition or start switch to operate. Pressing the gas before the engine is running can cause a surge, which isn’t needed and can be dangerous. Turning on parking lights isn’t part of the starting step—it’s about visibility while driving. The clutch would be used for a manual transmission to start, but for typical automatic-start procedures, holding the brake is the correct move. Once the engine has started, you can release the brake and proceed.

Starting the engine safely centers on keeping the car from moving. You should have your foot on the brake because it prevents any unintentional movement as the engine starts, and many vehicles require the brake to be engaged to allow the ignition or start switch to operate. Pressing the gas before the engine is running can cause a surge, which isn’t needed and can be dangerous. Turning on parking lights isn’t part of the starting step—it’s about visibility while driving. The clutch would be used for a manual transmission to start, but for typical automatic-start procedures, holding the brake is the correct move. Once the engine has started, you can release the brake and proceed.