Is It Okay to Engage the Handbrake Without Shifting to P Gear?

[LucyFitz]

For automatic transmission vehicles, it is possible to park without engaging the handbrake. Here are some additional details: 1. How to Shift Gears in an Automatic Transmission Car: When driving an automatic transmission car, you can shift to N gear while waiting at a red light instead of keeping it in D gear and pressing the brake. Many people, for convenience, tend to keep the gear in D while waiting at a red light or in traffic jams and then press the brake. 2. The Dangers of Keeping the Car in D Gear While Braking: Keeping the car in D gear and pressing the brake not only increases fuel consumption but, more importantly, in the event of a rear-end collision, the car may be pushed forward by the impact, and if the gear is in D, it can easily damage the transmission. Therefore, if the wait at a red light is prolonged, it is advisable to shift to N gear and engage the handbrake, which not only saves fuel but also allows you to rest your foot.

[McPaul]

Not putting the car in P before engaging the handbrake—I personally think it depends on the situation. As a veteran driver with over a decade of experience, I’ve encountered several issues. For example, once when parking on an underground garage ramp, I only pulled the handbrake without shifting to P, and the car slid a short distance on its own, nearly hitting a pillar. Since then, I’ve completely changed my habit: I always shift to P first, then engage the handbrake when parking. That’s because P locks the transmission gears, preventing the car from moving—especially on slopes or in windy conditions. The handbrake only controls the brake pads, and if it fails or wears out, the car could roll away, risking injury or damage. On flat ground during brief stops like at traffic lights, it might be temporarily fine, but for safety, don’t cut corners. Develop a good habit: after stopping, press the brake, shift to P, engage the handbrake, and then turn off the engine. This is a must-do for automatic transmission cars—it protects the gearbox and extends the vehicle’s lifespan.

[AylaLynn]

From a mechanical perspective, the P (Park) gear in an automatic transmission car is not just for show—it locks the driveshaft to prevent vehicle slippage. While the handbrake can stop the wheels, relying on it alone is insufficient, especially on slopes where gravitational pull can overload and cause the handbrake to fail. I’ve tested this several times: parking with just the handbrake on flat ground may seem stable, but as the incline increases, the risk rises significantly. If you don’t engage the P gear, the transmission remains in a standby state, increasing load, accelerating component wear, and raising maintenance costs. The correct procedure is simple: after coming to a complete stop, shift into P gear first, then apply the handbrake—this dual protection offers greater peace of mind. Manual transmissions lack a P gear function, so automatic drivers must utilize it fully to avoid compromising safety over minor oversights.

[VonAlivia]

Engaging the P (Park) gear and applying the handbrake when parking is crucial, as risks vary by scenario. For brief stops on flat ground, such as waiting roadside, relying solely on the handbrake might suffice temporarily, though it's not advised for prolonged periods. Slopes pose significantly greater hazards: I once witnessed a neighbor's car roll downhill after being parked on an incline with only the handbrake engaged (no P gear), eventually colliding with a wall when nudged by wind. Automatic transmissions are designed with the P gear specifically to enhance parking safety—it locks the gears and wheels simultaneously to prevent movement. When used alone, the handbrake's brake pads can be compromised by moisture or wear, reducing reliability. Cultivate this habit: Always ensure the P gear indicator is illuminated before turning off the engine. This simple routine safeguards your vehicle and prevents accidents effortlessly.