Should I Engage the Handbrake First or Shift to Neutral First?

[ColemanFitz]

Either engaging the handbrake first or shifting to neutral first is acceptable, as there is no fixed order for these actions. For an automatic transmission vehicle, you need to shift into the P (Park) position before turning off the engine. For a manual transmission vehicle, you should shift into the N (Neutral) position when parking and turning off the engine. In an automatic car, if you don't shift into P, you won't be able to remove the key. Some automatic cars won't allow the engine to shut off unless shifted into P. The P position in an automatic transmission has a locking mechanism that secures the transmission gears, effectively locking the wheels indirectly. Once in P, the car won't roll even without the handbrake engaged. However, if left in N without the handbrake, the car may roll.