Should the Handbrake Be Applied for Parallel Parking?

[Furtado]

After successfully completing parallel parking, shift to neutral, apply the handbrake, and wait for the computer prompt indicating a pass. Then, turn on the left turn signal, shift into first gear, and release the handbrake. Below is more information about parallel parking: 1. Operation Requirements: The driver must maneuver the vehicle into the right-side parking space without the wheels touching the lane boundary or the parking space boundary. 2. Parallel Parking Tips: (1) Ensure the vehicle is about 30 centimeters away from the edge of the parking space and drive parallel past it. (2) Drive forward while observing the right rearview mirror; when the A-corner of the parking space appears, the vehicle has passed the space, and you should stop. (3) Press the clutch, shift into reverse gear, and slowly back up; watch the right rearview mirror, and when the A-corner disappears, turn the steering wheel fully to the right.

[MaddoxLynn]

To be honest, it's best to develop the habit of using the handbrake when parallel parking—it's as important as wearing a seatbelt. Although some experienced drivers think it's fine not to use it on flat ground, accidents often happen at such moments. Last time, I stepped out briefly to buy a bottle of water without engaging the handbrake, and the car rolled back over half a meter, scraping the vehicle behind. Later, an insurance agent explained that modern electronic handbrakes automatically activate hill-start assist on slopes, and manually engaging it on flat ground takes just a few seconds. Remember to turn the steering wheel fully toward the curb so that if the car rolls, the tires will catch the curb. Automatic transmission drivers should pay extra attention: always engage the handbrake before shifting into P, or the transmission gears may bear long-term stress and get damaged.

[Troy]

As someone who parks in the city every day, my experience is to decide based on the situation. When parking on a completely flat surface, I often skip the handbrake and just leave it in P or reverse gear to avoid frequent operations. But once, while waiting in line on a slope at a mall exit, I looked down to reply to a message and my foot slipped off the brake—the car rolled back and nearly caused a rear-end collision. That scared me so much that now I always use the handbrake on slopes. Here’s a tip: on rainy days, brake discs are prone to rust and stickiness. After parking, don’t rush to pull the handbrake—first shift into gear to let the car stop naturally, then apply the handbrake. If you see a slope indicator on the dashboard, remember to activate the auto-hold function, which is now standard in most cars priced above 100,000 yuan.

[SanMartin]

The three must-dos emphasized by driving instructors: pull the handbrake, shift into reverse gear, and turn the steering wheel to full lock. In reality, many new cars now have automatic parking once stopped, but older cars still rely on the traditional mechanical handbrake. I've noticed that beginners tend to make two common mistakes: one is forgetting to straighten the steering wheel, leaving the tires under prolonged side pressure, and the other is pulling the handbrake too hard, which can loosen the cable. On icy roads, it's especially important to pull the handbrake gently, otherwise, the brake pads might freeze when thawing. For mechanical handbrakes, applying 70% of the force is optimal, and hearing 4 clicks of the gear is sufficient.