Should the Handbrake Be Engaged When Parking?
3 Answers
It is essential to engage the handbrake after parking. This is a mandatory safety measure to prevent the vehicle from rolling, especially on inclined surfaces. For beginners, remember that "engaging the handbrake when parking" is the first step in developing proper car usage habits. Notes: 1. However, one important point to note: during winter parking, it is advisable to choose a flat surface, as engaging the handbrake in cold weather may cause it to freeze, making it difficult to release the next morning. Generally, this issue does not occur in areas that are not extremely cold. 2. Function of the handbrake: It is used to brake the vehicle when parked on flat or sloped surfaces, preventing the car from moving automatically when unattended, thereby avoiding potential traffic accidents.
Should you engage the handbrake when parking? Based on my years of driving experience, the answer is absolutely yes. I remember one time when I parked on a slope without engaging the handbrake, and the car slowly rolled down, almost hitting the roadside railing—it scared me to death. Since then, I’ve made it a habit to always engage the handbrake whenever I park, whether it’s a short stop or a long one. This prevents the car from moving unexpectedly, especially on steep slopes or uneven surfaces, enhancing safety. Additionally, for manual transmission cars, using the handbrake can also prevent wear on the gearbox. For automatic cars, engaging the handbrake after shifting into 'P' provides double protection, reducing wear on the components. Developing this habit can also save fuel, as a stably parked car won’t consume energy. In short, engaging the handbrake is a basic yet practical practice, and I recommend never skipping it when parking.
I always go out for a drive, and pulling the handbrake when parking has become a conditioned reflex in my daily routine. With an automatic transmission car, engaging the handbrake after shifting to P gear gives me extra peace of mind—just in case the ground is wet or uneven, the handbrake ensures the car won't move. I also think it helps save the car's components, like preventing the braking system from aging. Actually, it's not just on slopes; you should pull the handbrake even when parking on flat roads. Relying on luck when occasionally forgetting but finding the car unharmed is unreliable. I've noticed that manual transmission cars are prone to stalling if the handbrake isn't engaged, which is quite annoying. When friends ask, I tell them to develop this habit from the start—once it's formed, parking becomes much easier, and you won't have to worry about the car sliding unexpectedly.
