Do automatic cars have a handbrake?
2 Answers
Automatic cars do have a handbrake, which is located near the right hand or left foot. The gear positions of an automatic car include: 1. P (Park) for parking; 2. R (Reverse) for reversing; 3. N (Neutral) for neutral; 4. D (Drive) for forward driving; 5. S (Sport) for sport mode; 6. L (Low) for low gear; 7. M (Manual) for manual mode in semi-automatic cars. The correct way to park an automatic car is: 1. Press the foot brake to stop the car; 2. Shift the gear from D to N; 3. Engage the handbrake and turn off the engine; 4. Press the foot brake and shift the gear from N to P; 5. Release the foot brake; 6. Turn the key back, switch off the power, and remove the key.
I've been driving automatic transmission cars for almost ten years, and they definitely have a parking brake. When parking, I always use that lever or button to secure the car, especially on slopes, to prevent accidental rolling. At first, I thought automatic cars didn't have a parking brake because the transmission has a P (Park) lock, but in reality, the parking brake is an additional safety measure. Many modern models now use an electronic version—just press a button, simple and effortless. Personally, I make it a habit to engage the parking brake before turning off the engine, ensuring safe operation. Last month, I forgot to engage it once, and the car slowly moved on a slope, giving me a scare—fortunately, nothing happened. Remember, the parking brake's location may vary: some are beside the driver's seat, while others are foot-operated near the rear. During regular maintenance, it's advisable to check for brake pad wear or cable looseness and keep them lubricated. Don’t underestimate it—it can be a lifesaver in critical moments. In short, automatic cars come with a parking brake as standard; don’t assume that just because there’s no clutch pedal, you can skip these basic safety measures.
