Should the Handbrake Be Applied When Parallel Parking?
3 Answers
When parallel parking, it is necessary to apply the handbrake. To prevent the vehicle from rolling, manual transmission vehicles can have the handbrake engaged while in gear, and the gear can be reset when moving again. Additionally, try to park the vehicle on a level surface to avoid severe rolling. Extended Information: Precautions for Parallel Parking: When parallel parking, pay attention to the situation behind the vehicle. You can use the assistance of a rearview camera to observe the condition at the back of the car to avoid scratches during reversing. Also, remember to reduce the speed when reversing.
Whether to use the handbrake when reversing into a parking space depends on the situation. On flat ground, you generally don't need to pull it since you're constantly controlling the foot brake during operation - just shift to reverse gear and gently release the brake to move, with proper coordination between hands and feet being sufficient. However, when parking on a slope, you should definitely use the handbrake to prevent rolling, especially with manual transmission cars that tend to roll back during clutch engagement - pulling the handbrake provides extra security. With over ten years of driving experience, I now only use the handbrake on slopes when driving automatic transmission cars, as frequent use on flat ground actually disrupts operational smoothness. For beginners, I'd recommend developing good habits - when in doubt, engage the handbrake first, and adjust your approach as you become more familiar with the car's behavior.
I remember when I first started driving, my instructor repeatedly emphasized using the handbrake when reversing to prevent accidents. In practice, I found it depends on the scenario: on slippery surfaces or inclined garage ramps, I religiously engage the handbrake—especially on rainy days when tire traction is poor, as it keeps the car firmly stationary and prevents accidental sliding during throttle-brake transitions. But in flat residential parking spaces, I find it more convenient to just control the car with the footbrake, particularly with automatic transmissions where idle speed is slow, allowing seamless transition from releasing the footbrake to pressing the throttle. Nowadays, unless there's noticeable incline, I rarely use the handbrake, but I never skip checking the rearview mirror to confirm no rolling occurs.
