Do I still need to engage the handbrake when in N gear?
3 Answers
After shifting into N gear, it is necessary to engage the handbrake; otherwise, the car may roll. If the handbrake is not engaged, the driver must keep the brake pedal depressed. N gear is the neutral gear, and when engaged, the connection between the transmission and the wheels is disconnected, meaning the engine's power cannot be transmitted to the wheels. Below are the differences between N gear and P gear: 1. When in N gear: There is no locking mechanism to secure the transmission gears, so the car will roll if the handbrake is not engaged. When in P gear: The locking mechanism inside the transmission secures the gears, effectively locking the wheels indirectly. If the handbrake is not engaged while in P gear, the car cannot move normally. 2. P gear is used when parking and turning off the engine. If P gear is not engaged before turning off the engine, the car cannot be shut down properly. N gear is suitable for short stops without turning off the engine.
When I encounter this issue while driving, I feel it's dangerous to shift into N gear without engaging the handbrake, as the vehicle may freely roll, especially on slopes where it can easily roll away, potentially causing accidents. For example, in parking lots or when waiting at red lights, even during brief stops, it's essential to develop the habit of using the handbrake. Otherwise, with the wheels not locked, the slightest touch could set the car in motion, endangering people or other vehicles. From my experience, whether it's an automatic or manual transmission car, after shifting into neutral, always engage the handbrake or electronic parking brake first to ensure the vehicle remains stable. This provides time to shift into P gear or perform other actions safely—safety comes first.
From a mechanical perspective of the car, shifting to N (Neutral) gear cuts off power transmission, leaving the wheels uncontrolled by the engine. Without additional braking force, the vehicle will coast freely. Therefore, manually engaging the handbrake to provide extra braking force is crucial to protect the transmission and chassis from stress. I recommend that for brief stops on flat surfaces, such as at traffic lights, it can be omitted but requires full attention. However, on slopes, it is absolutely essential to apply the handbrake immediately to prevent the vehicle from rolling uncontrollably and causing damage.
