Is it okay to forget to engage the handbrake when parking an automatic transmission car?

[SanLaura]

Not very serious. However, it's still recommended to engage the handbrake when parking in P gear, otherwise it might cause damage to the transmission. On flat roads, there's not much difference whether you engage the handbrake first or shift to P gear first. But if parking on a slope, it's better to engage the handbrake first and then shift to P gear to reduce the burden on the transmission gears. 1. P gear position: P gear is the most common gear in automatic transmission vehicles, usually located at the foremost position of the gearshift console, in front of R gear, designed to lock the axle when the car is stationary on a slope. 2. P gear function: The direct purpose of shifting to P gear is parking. When temporarily parked on level ground, the transmission operates in neutral after shifting to P gear, completely interrupting power transmission between the engine and output shaft, allowing the driver to keep the engine running during short waits. Additionally, P gear has a wheel-locking mechanism, so even for long-term parking, the driver doesn't need to engage the handbrake.

[VanZoey]

When I was younger, I had a few instances of forgetting to engage the handbrake. One time, after parking on a slope in a supermarket underground garage and rushing off to shop, I returned to find my car had slid half a meter and hit another vehicle, costing me over a thousand in repairs. Since then, I've developed the habit of always pulling the handbrake first before shifting to P, especially on slopes. Although the P gear in an automatic transmission can lock the gearbox to prevent rolling, it's not designed to bear the vehicle's weight under prolonged pressure and is meant for emergency use only. Neglecting the handbrake frequently could lead to the car rolling on a slope, potentially causing accidents and injuries, or on flat ground, damaging the transmission and causing strange noises. During regular vehicle check-ups, the experienced mechanics always remind me of this detail, saying that developing good habits not only ensures safety but also saves money and hassle. Now, my car is ten years old, and the transmission is still in great condition, all thanks to this simple pull of the handbrake.

[Arya]

As someone who frequently works on automatic transmission vehicles, I'll explain why forgetting to engage the parking brake isn't always harmless. The P (Park) position in automatic transmissions has a small pawl that locks the transmission gears to prevent rolling, but it can only hold temporarily on flat surfaces. On inclines, the vehicle's full weight rests on that tiny pawl, which over time may cause gear deformation or wear, leading to difficult gear engagement. Worse yet, if the vehicle starts rolling, it could injure people or damage property - like a client who recently shared how their car rolled down the driveway and crushed their flowerbed. That's why it's best to follow this fixed sequence: come to complete stop, engage parking brake, shift to P, then turn off engine. This not only prevents accidents but protects vehicle components, extending lifespan and reducing repair costs. If you hear clicking noises when shifting to P, visit a repair shop immediately. Don't dismiss small mistakes - developing good habits now beats regretting later.

[MaximusRose]

I just started driving a month ago and was quite careless. Last week, I forgot to engage the handbrake when parking, and when I got home, I found the car had rolled a few centimeters on the garage slope and scratched the wall paint, which was extremely frustrating. Afterwards, I asked an experienced driver, and he said that on a completely flat surface, it might be okay for a short time because the P gear can hold the car, but on a slope, the risk is high—the car could roll away and hurt someone or hit something. New drivers often overlook this detail, so I set a phone alarm to remind myself every time I get out of the car. Developing the habit of double-checking by engaging the handbrake and then shifting to P gear protects both myself and others, avoiding repair costs. Now, I check twice every time I park to ensure I haven’t forgotten.