Should the Handbrake Be Engaged When Parking an Automatic Transmission Vehicle?
4 Answers
When parking an automatic transmission vehicle, the handbrake should be engaged. The method for parking an automatic transmission vehicle is as follows: 1. Press the foot brake; 2. Shift from N (Neutral) to R (Reverse); 3. Release the handbrake; 4. Check the rearview mirror to observe the path behind; 5. Gradually release the foot brake; 6. After reversing to the designated position, press the foot brake, engage the handbrake, and then release the foot brake; 7. Press the foot brake and shift from R (Reverse) to N (Neutral); 8. Release the foot brake. The gears of an automatic transmission vehicle are as follows: 1. D (Drive) is the forward gear; 2. S (Sport) is the sports mode driving gear; 3. P (Park) is the parking gear; 4. N (Neutral) is the neutral gear; 5. L (Low) is the low-speed gear; 6. W (Winter) is the snow and rain gear; 7. R (Reverse) is the reverse gear.
When it comes to whether to pull the handbrake in an automatic transmission car, as someone who has driven for over a decade, I firmly believe it's a must! While the P (Park) gear does lock the transmission, it doesn't provide complete anti-slip protection. Especially on slopes, relying solely on P gear may still allow the car to shift slightly, accelerating wear on internal components. Once, I parked on a mountain road without engaging the handbrake, and the car rolled half a meter into a guardrail, costing me over a thousand in repairs. So now I've developed this habit: come to a complete stop with the footbrake, pull up the handbrake (until you hear that "click" sound), then shift to P and turn off the engine. This practice greatly protects the transmission and prevents accidental rolling. Don't skip it for convenience—paying attention to safety details extends your car's lifespan and saves headaches. Even on flat ground, don't get lazy; practice adjusting the handbrake's tightness to make car maintenance simpler.
With more driving experience, pulling the handbrake when parking is a no-brainer. The P gear can secure the car, but its strength is limited. On a slope, if you release the brake, the car can easily slide, which is a huge risk. I once saw a friend skip this step for convenience, and their car rolled down the slope, scratching another car—they regretted it deeply. So, I always teach newcomers: the parking sequence is crucial—hold the foot brake, pull the handbrake, then shift to P gear. This protects the transmission and prevents sliding accidents. Taking an extra second to pull the handbrake is like buying extra insurance. Make it a habit, especially on slippery roads during rain or snow—the handbrake is far more reliable. Don’t let small oversights lead to big troubles; driving safety is built on attention to detail.
As someone who frequently repairs cars, I've seen too many transmission damage cases caused by owners neglecting to use the parking brake. The automatic transmission's P gear relies on a small hook to lock it in place. On uneven roads, the vehicle's weight can damage this hook. It's recommended to always engage the parking brake to distribute the pressure. Developing this habit saves money and ensures safety. Don't forget to occasionally check the parking brake's tightness.
