Should the handbrake be engaged when in N gear?
2 Answers
Whether to engage the handbrake when in N gear depends on the situation: 1. If the parking time is very short, simply stepping on the brake is sufficient; 2. If parking for more than half a minute, the handbrake should be engaged when in N gear. N gear is the neutral gear for automatic transmission vehicles. Introduction to other gears in automatic transmission vehicles: 1. P gear is the parking gear, used for long-term parking of the vehicle; 2. R gear is the reverse gear, engaged when the vehicle needs to move backward; 3. D gear is the drive gear, when the gear lever is placed in D gear, the vehicle will automatically shift gears based on throttle opening and speed data; 4. S gear is the sport mode, making the vehicle drive more sporty; 5. M gear refers to the manual mode, when the gear lever is shifted into M gear, gear shifting is done manually by the driver; 6. L gear is the low gear.
As a seasoned driver with over a decade of experience, I always emphasize that pulling the handbrake in neutral is a must, with safety being the top priority. Don't assume the car won't move just because it's on flat ground—if there's a slope or strong wind, it can easily slip away. I've seen accidents caused by beginners not using the handbrake, resulting in scratches, wasted time, and compensation costs. For automatic transmission cars, shifting to N (neutral) mainly disengages engine power, but the wheels can still rotate freely. The handbrake locks the rear wheels to prevent movement. Make it a habit to pull the handbrake whenever you park, whether for a short stop or a long trip, to prevent accidents. Don’t forget to check if the handbrake is fully engaged. If the car rolls too far, it might indicate shorter signal light duration or unusual noises, signaling that parts need replacement sooner.
