Do Automatic Transmission Cars Need to Engage the Handbrake When Parking?
1 Answers
Automatic transmission cars do need to engage the handbrake when parking. If you only shift into P gear without pulling the handbrake when parked on a slope, the entire weight will concentrate on the transmission. Over time, this can affect the transmission, and in severe cases, it may cause the transmission to engage too tightly, making it difficult to disengage from P gear. Below are some precautions for using the handbrake: 1. Do not pull it too tight: In daily use, be careful not to pull the mechanical handbrake too tightly, as overstretching the metal cable or keeping it stretched for extended periods can accelerate deformation and aging, leading to a loose handbrake or cable breakage. The correct method is to pull the handbrake until the rear wheels lock, then lift it 1 or 2 notches further to ensure the car doesn't roll. 2. Avoid prolonged parking on slopes using only the handbrake: Parking on a slope for extended periods with just the handbrake will accelerate wear on the handbrake cable. The correct approach is to first use the handbrake to park, then place a brick or similar object in front of the wheel facing the downhill side to secure it. Release the handbrake to transfer the force to the wheel, then re-engage the handbrake.
