Can I Not Engage the Handbrake When in Neutral Gear?

[DiRiley]

You can choose not to engage the handbrake when the car is in neutral gear. Below are the key functions of the handbrake: 1. When parking, pulling up the handbrake keeps the car stationary and prevents it from rolling downhill. 2. While driving, pulling up the handbrake during turns can induce a drift effect. Note: Drifting on public roads is strictly prohibited. 3. In emergencies, the handbrake can serve as a secondary braking system. Correct usage methods are as follows: (1) Always engage the handbrake when stopped on an incline to prevent rolling. (2) Never use the handbrake as a substitute for the foot brake during high-speed driving. (3) Driving with the handbrake engaged causes accelerated brake wear.

[DiDominic]

As a novice driver who just started driving, I personally experienced the danger of not engaging the handbrake when in neutral. That time when I parked on a slope in the residential parking lot, the car suddenly rolled backward and almost hit a wall, giving me a cold sweat. The reason is that in neutral, the engine power is disconnected, and the wheels are not locked, making the car prone to movement due to slope or external forces. Even on flat ground, wind or slight road vibrations can cause the car to roll. Now I've developed a habit of engaging the handbrake as soon as I park, whether the gear is in N or any other position. Safety is no small matter—don't skimp on the effort. Last year, my neighbor didn’t engage the handbrake, and the car rolled into a river, costing a fortune in repairs—a deep lesson. In short, to protect your own and others' property and safety, engaging the handbrake when parking is a must.

[EvelynAnn]

From a mechanical perspective, when the transmission is in Neutral (N) gear, the drivetrain is disconnected, and the engine does not drive the wheels, allowing them to rotate freely. Without engaging the parking brake, the vehicle lacks effective locking. On slopes or uneven surfaces, gravity can easily cause the car to move, potentially leading to sliding accidents. Even on flat ground, wind or minor impacts from pedestrians can initiate rolling. This differs from Park (P) gear, which has an internal parking lock mechanism, whereas Neutral gear requires the parking brake for additional stabilization. I recommend always activating the parking brake when parked, especially for automatic transmission vehicles, as it enhances stability. Cultivating this small habit can prevent accidents such as unintended rolling leading to collisions or personal injuries, ensuring a safer driving environment.

[IslaAnn]

Veteran driver shares some experience: After decades of driving, what I fear most is small oversights leading to major disasters. Parking in neutral without the handbrake engaged can range from the car slowly rolling into roadside bushes to accelerating down a steep slope and causing an accident. I once saw a car owner do this on a mountain road—the car slid straight down into a ravine. Luckily, only the car was damaged, and no one was hurt. The lesson is: always engage the handbrake when parking, no matter the gear. Make it a reflex. The key is preventing accidents—if the car can move, it can hurt people or damage property. Keep it simple: safety first.