Is it okay to engage P gear without pulling the handbrake?
3 Answers
It is not advisable to engage P gear for long-term parking without applying the handbrake. For automatic transmission vehicles, after parking, the gear lever should be placed in P position, the parking brake (handbrake) should be engaged, and then the engine should be turned off. Here are the specific details for parking: 1. Placing the gear lever in P position only locks the automatic transmission. To ensure the safe parking of the vehicle, the handbrake should be engaged. 2. When parking on a slope, engaging only P gear still poses a risk of the vehicle rolling. Only by engaging the parking brake (handbrake) to lock the vehicle's braking system can the vehicle be prevented from rolling. Additional information: P gear functions similarly to N+ (neutral plus handbrake) and can replace the vehicle's braking system when the handbrake fails, preventing the vehicle from rolling.
It's okay to not engage the handbrake when parking in P gear for a short time, but it's not a good habit. The hook in P gear actually locks the transmission to prevent the car from moving, but it's not a real braking system. If you park on a slope or uneven ground without using the handbrake, the entire weight of the car relies on that hook. Over time, wear and tear or even breakage of the hook can damage internal transmission components, and replacing them could cost tens of thousands. Having been into cars for years, I've seen many owners who skip the handbrake for convenience, only to have their cars roll slightly on a garage slope, resulting in a loud 'crack' and a ruined transmission. Now, I always follow a fixed sequence: firmly press the brake to stop completely, engage the handbrake to ensure the car absolutely doesn't move, and then shift into P gear. This double protection safeguards the car and ensures safety, especially in urban traffic jams or crowded parking lots where the handbrake prevents sliding. Once it becomes a habit, it's much easier and can extend the vehicle's lifespan, saving repair costs and hassle.
Having driven automatic transmission cars for nearly thirty years, I can tell you that relying solely on the P (Park) gear is just laziness. The locking mechanism in P gear is quite fragile—if you park on a slope, like a mountain roadside, and the car inches forward, it has to bear the full force. Excessive stress can wear it out, and in severe cases, the transmission might need major repairs. When I was younger, I experienced a similar situation: I parked on a gentle slope in my neighborhood with just P gear engaged and no handbrake. A gust of wind or someone pushing the car door made the car shift slightly, causing the transmission gears to grind loudly. The repair cost me over 8,000 yuan. Since then, I’ve made it a habit to always engage the handbrake first before shifting to P gear, ensuring the car is rock-solid. This dual-locking method prevents sliding accidents, especially on rainy or icy roads where surfaces are slippery—the handbrake provides extra security. Adopting this simple routine ensures safety, peace of mind, and avoids unnecessary trouble.
