Is it okay to engage the P gear in an automatic transmission car without pulling the handbrake?
2 Answers
It is possible to engage the P gear in an automatic transmission car without pulling the handbrake, but it is not recommended as it may lead to the car rolling. P Gear: The P gear is the most common gear in automatic transmission models, usually located at the front of the gear shift console, ahead of the R gear. Its purpose is to lock the car's axle when the vehicle is stationary on a slope. Handbrake Usage Notes: Do not pull the handbrake too high. When using the handbrake, pulling it to 70% of its height is sufficient, as the braking effect is the same whether it is fully pulled or at 70%. Pulling the handbrake to its maximum position for extended periods can reduce the recovery ability of the handbrake cable and shorten its lifespan. Apply gentle force when pulling the handbrake. Pull it slowly and avoid jerking it, as this can easily cause damage. Do not use the handbrake as a substitute for the foot brake. Using the handbrake instead of the foot brake at high speeds can lock the wheels, causing the car to skid, and may even break the handbrake cable.
To be honest, when I first started driving, I also thought putting the car in P (Park) was enough. But I learned a hard lesson from an experienced driver – when parked on a slope, relying solely on P gear can actually cause the car to slide. That time, I almost got rear-ended by the car in front. The P gear locks the transmission gears, but when the ground is inclined, the pressure is too great, and the gears can get damaged. Fixing it isn’t cheap. Developing the habit of using the handbrake is a real lifesaver. Now, every time I park, I pull the handbrake first and then shift to P gear, whether it’s flat ground or a slope – it’s equally secure. In daily driving, especially on rainy days or icy roads, relying only on P gear is even riskier. The car might roll away, hurting others or itself. Safety comes first—don’t skip this step. I advise new drivers not to cut corners. Take two seconds to pull the handbrake—consider it training muscle memory, a habit that’ll benefit you for life.
