Is it necessary to engage the handbrake when the car is in N gear?
2 Answers
When the car is in N gear, you can choose to engage the handbrake or not. Here is some information about the handbrake: 1. The professional term for the handbrake is the auxiliary brake. Unlike the main brake, it uses a steel cable connected to the rear brake shoes to stop the vehicle. 2. The handbrake is a frequently used system and must be used correctly and appropriately. Additional information: Here are some introductions to the gears of an automatic transmission car: 1. P gear is the parking gear, used for long-term parking of the vehicle. 2. R gear is the reverse gear, engaged when the vehicle needs to move backward. 3. N gear is the neutral gear, engaged when the vehicle is parked for a short time without turning off the engine. 4. D gear is the drive gear. When the gear lever is placed in D gear, the vehicle will automatically switch gears based on throttle opening and speed data.
Having driven for over a decade, I firmly believe that applying the handbrake when in Neutral (N) gear is an essential habit. Especially on slopes – once while buying fruits on a hillside road, I left the car in N without the handbrake, and it rolled half a meter into a barrier. Thankfully, the slow speed prevented an accident. Now, whether on flat roads or inclines, I immediately engage the handbrake whenever shifting to neutral. This becomes even more crucial when traveling with kids – a child climbing around could accidentally shift gears or press the brake pedal, causing sudden movement. Even during extended red-light stops, using the handbrake relieves your right foot and prevents secondary collisions if rear-ended. Such small habits can be lifesavers in critical moments.
