Is it okay to park an automatic car in neutral with the handbrake on?

[Bryan]

It is acceptable to park an automatic car in neutral with the handbrake on instead of shifting to P (Park). Here are detailed explanations of the different gear positions in an automatic transmission: 1. P (Park) is the parking gear: When the gear selector is in P, the transmission is in neutral internally, but the output shaft is mechanically locked. This means the car will remain stationary even without applying the brakes, and it is typically used for long-term parking. The car must be completely stationary before shifting into P, and the handbrake must be engaged. When parking on a slope, always engage the handbrake first before shifting into P. 2. R (Reverse) is the reverse gear: When the gear selector is in R, the transmission's output shaft rotates in the opposite direction to the engine, allowing the car to move backward. The car must be completely stationary before shifting into R. 3. N (Neutral) is the neutral gear: When the gear selector is in N, the gears inside the transmission are freewheeling, and the clutch is disengaged, minimizing the load on the transmission. N is generally used for short stops, such as waiting at a traffic light, or when the car is being towed. 4. D (Drive) is the driving gear: When the gear selector is in D, the transmission automatically shifts between the lowest and highest gears based on factors like vehicle speed and throttle opening, following preset shifting patterns. In most driving situations, D is the appropriate gear to use.