Is it okay to park in P gear without engaging the handbrake?

[JulietLynn]

P gear parking still requires engaging the handbrake, otherwise it may cause damage to the transmission. When parking on a flat road, there is not much difference whether you engage the handbrake first or shift to P gear first. However, if parking on a slope, it is best to engage the handbrake first and then shift into P gear to reduce the burden on the car's transmission gears. Below is an introduction to the P gear: 1. P gear is the most common gear in automatic transmission models, usually located at the front position of the gearshift console, in front of the R gear. Its purpose is to lock the axle when the car is stationary on a slope. 2. The direct function of shifting into P gear is parking. When temporarily parking on a level road, shifting into P gear puts the car's transmission in neutral operation, completely interrupting the power transmission between the engine and the output shaft. The driver does not need to turn off the running engine during short waits. Additionally, the P gear has a wheel lock device, so even for long-term parking, the driver does not need to engage the handbrake.

[OmarRose]

I've been driving for over twenty years and used to think it was no big deal to park on flat ground without engaging the handbrake, just shifting to P gear, since the transmission is locked anyway. But once, I parked on a slope in my neighborhood without paying attention, only shifting to P gear. The next day, I found the car had rolled forward half a meter, and I heard a creaking sound from the transmission. The mechanic told me I had worn out the parking pawl, costing me over a thousand yuan to fix. Since then, no matter how flat the ground is, I always make sure to pull the handbrake tight first before shifting to P gear. This double fixation is safer, preventing accidental slides caused by external factors like strong winds or other cars bumping into mine. The transmission parts are quite delicate and prone to damage under frequent pressure; pulling the handbrake only takes a second or two. Developing this habit can save a lot of trouble, especially on rainy or snowy days or in areas with many slopes.

[LeTravis]

As a regular commuter who drives to work every day, I must admit I've been lazy at times—just putting the car in P without engaging the handbrake, especially on flat roads near home, thinking it's more convenient. But a friend reminded me that the P gear locks the transmission gears to keep the car stationary. If the car gets pushed or becomes unstable, the locking mechanism bears all the pressure, which can eventually damage transmission components over time. Now, I force myself to follow the full procedure: come to a complete stop with the brake, engage the handbrake, and only then shift to P. This way, the transmission has an easier time. The handbrake acts like a safety belt, sharing the risk. Imagine parking on a slope and the car suddenly rolling—not only could the car get damaged, but it might also hit something and cause injuries. Developing this small habit not only protects the car but also ensures safety and peace of mind.

[HarleyLee]

From a technical perspective, I understand that parking without engaging the handbrake and relying solely on the P gear may seem convenient, but mechanically it's not very reliable. The P gear uses a small component in the transmission called the parking pawl to hook onto the gear and secure the car. It works fine on flat ground without external forces, but if parked on a slope or if the car is pushed, the pawl may bear excessive pressure and could break or wear out, causing the P gear to fail. On the other hand, the handbrake acts on the brake pads, independent of the transmission, and when used together, it can help distribute the pressure. It's advisable to develop a good habit every time you park: engage the handbrake first and then shift to P gear, especially on uneven terrain. This can extend the lifespan of the parking system and avoid unnecessary repair costs.