When starting your vehicle, what should you always lightly press?

When starting your vehicle, you should always lightly press the brake. This practice is essential for safety, as it ensures that your vehicle will not move unexpectedly when the engine is turned on. Pressing the brake keeps the vehicle stationary, preventing any potential accidents caused by an unintended acceleration.

In many vehicles, especially those with automatic transmissions, the brake pedal must be pressed before the ignition can engage, thereby providing an additional layer of safety. This procedure helps to ensure that the driver is prepared and in control before the engine starts.

In contrast, pressing the accelerator can cause the vehicle to move forward immediately, which poses a risk if you are not prepared for that movement. Pressing the clutch is only relevant for manual transmissions and does not address the primary need for safety when starting a vehicle. Using the horn is generally reserved for alerting other drivers or pedestrians, and it does not play a role in the vehicle's operation at the start.