Should the handbrake be engaged in N gear or P gear?
2 Answers
Engage the handbrake in P gear, as P gear is suitable for parking and stopping. Below are the differences between the two: 1. Function of P gear: When P gear is engaged, the parking gear inside the transmission is partially locked, providing a certain parking effect on flat ground without pressing the brake. P gear is suitable for parking and stopping; shift to P gear and engage the handbrake when turning off the engine. 2. Function of N gear: N gear is the neutral gear, where the engine and drive shaft are completely separated at the transmission position with no connection. During driving, N gear should be used at intersections or for temporary stops (when yielding to vehicles or pedestrians).
When parking, I recommend shifting to P (Park) and then applying the parking brake. Based on my years of driving experience, P stands for Park, which locks the transmission and prevents the car from rolling, especially on slopes or during windy and rainy days. Even if the ground is slippery and the parking brake fails, it's still safe. Shifting to N (Neutral) only puts the car in neutral, with no transmission lock, relying solely on the parking brake. The parking brake may age, loosen, or be affected by wind, making the car prone to sliding and causing accidents. I once saw a friend park on a slope using only Neutral, and the car rolled into a railing, costing a fortune to repair. Develop a habit: every time you park—first press the foot brake, then shift to P (Park), and firmly pull up the parking brake to ensure safety first. Also, regularly check if the parking brake is responsive—don’t skip it, safety is the top priority.
