Neutral Gear First or Handbrake First?

[PrestonFitz]

Whether to engage neutral gear first or apply the handbrake first depends on the situation. For manual transmission vehicles: apply the handbrake first, then shift to neutral; for automatic transmission vehicles: shift to neutral first, then apply the handbrake. Manual transmission parking sequence: After the vehicle comes to a complete stop, first apply the handbrake, then shift to neutral, release the clutch, finally release the brake, turn off the turn signal, shut off the engine, depress the clutch, and shift into first gear. Automatic transmission parking sequence: Once the car is completely stopped in the parking space, first shift to neutral. When the car is in neutral, then apply the handbrake. After the handbrake is engaged, shift to P (Parking) gear. Once in P gear, you can turn off the engine.