Apply the Handbrake First or Turn Off the Engine First?
2 Answers
First apply the handbrake, shift to neutral, and then turn off the engine. The function of the handbrake is to brake when parking on flat or sloped surfaces, preventing the vehicle from sliding automatically when unattended and avoiding traffic accidents. The correct method to apply the handbrake is: 1. Press the handbrake button before pulling it; 2. Apply the handbrake gently; 3. Pull the handbrake up to about 70%—pulling it all the way to the top will shorten the lifespan of the handbrake cable. The dangers of forgetting to apply the handbrake while driving include: 1. The brake pump cannot provide sufficient braking force, causing the engine to stall; 2. Accelerated wear of the brake disc and hardening of the brake pads due to friction heat; 3. Stretching of the handbrake cable; 4. Brake fluid leakage from the brake caliper, leading to brake failure.
When parking, it's best to apply the handbrake first before turning off the engine. I've been driving for over 20 years, whether it's manual or automatic transmission, developing this habit can avoid a lot of trouble. If you turn off the engine first, the car might slide on a slope, which is particularly dangerous. I remember once parking on a steep mountain slope, I neglected the sequence and nearly caused a disaster, fortunately, I reacted quickly and pulled the handbrake. Although automatic transmission vehicles still have some power after the engine is turned off, it's not stable, and manual transmission cars are even more prone to rolling. Even when parking on flat ground daily, it's important to pay attention, as reversing the sequence long-term can damage the transmission and brake systems. Developing good habits not only ensures safety but also saves on repair costs. Now, I always teach beginners to do this—it's just a matter of a few seconds. Additionally, checking whether the handbrake is worn out and performing regular maintenance is crucial to prevent failure at critical moments.
