Is it correct to release the foot brake while idling in P gear?

[StCarter]

It is not recommended to release the foot brake after idling in P gear, as it may cause damage to the vehicle. Parking operation sequence: Stop and press the brake pedal—shift to N gear—release the foot brake—engage the handbrake—turn off the engine—shift to P gear. (If on a slope, the third step is to first engage the handbrake, then release the foot brake, turn off the engine, and shift to P gear.) In short, regardless of the terrain, always let the car level itself or use the handbrake to firmly stabilize the vehicle before turning off the engine and shifting to P gear. Hazards: Generally, people shift to P gear, release the brake, engage the handbrake, and then turn off the engine. However, this sequence can potentially cause severe damage to automatic transmission vehicles. This is because, in all automatic transmission vehicles, when shifted to P gear, a hook in the transmission locks onto the gear.

[VonFaith]

From my years of driving experience, it's perfectly fine to release the foot brake after warming up the car in P gear. The P gear is designed to secure the car in a parked state, functioning like a small mechanical lock to prevent any movement. During warm-up, the engine idles without the car moving, so releasing the foot brake doesn't compromise safety at all. I used to start my car on winter mornings and let it warm up in the garage for about a minute to allow the oil to lubricate properly. However, don't prolong the warm-up time unnecessarily—30 seconds to a minute is sufficient to avoid wasting fuel or causing carbon buildup in the engine. Also, remember to do this on level ground; if on a slope, although P gear can hold the car, rushing off in an emergency might damage the transmission. Overall, it's a routine practice with minimal risk—keeping it simple is key.

[KeiraAnn]

From a safety perspective, this is the right approach. The primary function of the P (Park) gear is to lock the transmission, preventing the vehicle from moving, and it remains firmly in place even after releasing the foot brake. However, it's important to choose the right location for warming up the car, such as flat ground, to prevent occasional slight sliding sensations. In my daily driving routine, I quickly shift to P gear after starting the engine and let it warm up for a minute or two, which helps the engine preheat evenly. Warming up the car isn't strictly necessary—modern engines are advanced enough to drive off immediately after starting—but a brief warm-up can reduce wear. Key points: Ensure the handbrake or braking system is functioning properly. If there are any fault signals, don't rush to release the foot brake. Developing this habit is beneficial for the car's longevity and helps avoid unnecessary issues.

[SanKennedy]

I think it's fine to release the foot brake while idling in P gear. When an automatic transmission car is in P gear, there's an internal locking mechanism that secures the drivetrain, preventing the car from moving. With the engine idling without driving force, releasing the foot brake is safe. Warming up the car in winter helps a lot by ensuring smooth oil flow. But don't idle for too long, as it wastes time. This simple operation is practical and hassle-free.