Is it necessary to engage the handbrake after parking an automatic transmission car?
3 Answers
It is necessary to engage the handbrake after parking an automatic transmission car, as doing so can prevent rollaway accidents. The functions of the handbrake are: 1. When parking, engaging the handbrake keeps the car stationary and prevents it from rolling downhill; 2. During driving, applying the handbrake while turning can create a drifting effect; 3. In emergency situations, the handbrake can serve as a brake. The working principle of the handbrake is: 1. The brake disc connected to the driveshaft transmits the pulling force back through the cable to achieve parking braking; 2. After pulling the handbrake, the hydraulic auxiliary cylinder is used to push the hydraulic master cylinder under the car, which then drives the air valve to act and brake the driveshaft.
Hey, I'm someone who's been driving for years, and pulling the handbrake after parking is an absolute must for me. When an automatic transmission is parked in P gear, the transmission is locked, but is that really safe? Not necessarily. On a slope or uneven ground, the car's weight and inertia can cause it to slowly slide away. What if you just got out of the car and it rolls into someone or something? The liability would be huge. I experienced this once—I forgot to pull the handbrake on a gentle slope in my neighborhood, and when I came back, the car had moved a few centimeters. Luckily, there was no accident. Since then, I’ve made it a habit to pull the handbrake every time, even on flat ground, just for peace of mind. Safety first, right? Also, if the insurance company finds out you didn’t use the handbrake during an accident, they might deny your claim, and there could be legal risks too. In short, taking an extra second to pull the handbrake can significantly reduce risks.
As a car enthusiast, I believe that pulling the handbrake is not just about stopping the car, but also about protecting your beloved vehicle. After shifting an automatic transmission into P (Park), the parking pawl inside the transmission engages, but if you frequently park on steep slopes or do this often, the excessive pressure on the parking pawl may eventually damage transmission components. Using the handbrake shares this load by directly locking the rear wheel brakes, easing the strain on the entire system. As someone who enjoys modifying cars, I often delve into these details—the handbrake also serves as a backup in emergencies; if the P gear fails, you have this extra layer of protection. In daily driving, such as parking on slopes in parking lots, engaging the handbrake keeps the car firmly in place, not only providing peace of mind but also extending the vehicle's lifespan. Don’t forget, the handbrake system requires regular checks to prevent rust or failure, otherwise its effectiveness diminishes. Developing this habit ensures both safer and more eco-friendly car usage.
