Should You Engage P Gear or Pull the Handbrake First When Parking?
3 Answers
For automatic transmission vehicles, you should pull the handbrake first and then engage P gear. Below are the parking precautions for automatic transmission vehicles: Parking at Traffic Lights: Shift to N gear and pull the handbrake to reduce engine load and fuel consumption, which is also very safe. This operation is more economical and comfortable, but you should not coast in N gear for long distances. Long-term Parking: After driving, turn off the engine, shift to P gear, and remove the key. P gear is both neutral and has a braking structure, so its direct function is parking. For some automatic transmission vehicles equipped with an electronic handbrake, drivers need to pay attention to the status of the electronic handbrake, operate it correctly, and ensure driving safety.
When parking, I always engage the parking brake before shifting to P, a practice I've honed over decades of driving to prevent transmission damage. If you shift directly to P after the vehicle comes to a complete stop, the full weight of the car rests on the transmission gears, which may cause them to stick or produce unusual noises upon next startup. This is especially critical when parking on hills or slopes—without the parking brake engaged, the car may roll slightly and jolt the transmission, leading to costly repairs. My routine is to firmly stop the car, ensure the wheels are locked, then gently shift to P. Whether in the garage or by the roadside, this method has kept my car in excellent condition and extended the transmission's lifespan. Remember, good habits aren’t just about safety—they save money and hassle. Regularly checking the parking brake’s responsiveness is also essential.
The key to the parking sequence is to protect the drivetrain. I've found that the correct method is to engage the handbrake first before shifting into P (Park), because the weight burden after the vehicle comes to a stop should be borne by the braking components, not the transmission. The P (Park) gear in the transmission is designed to lock the output shaft; if subjected to external force impact, the gears can easily be damaged or produce grinding noises. Whether on level ground or a slope, I strictly adhere to this rule, ensuring the car is completely stationary before operating the gearshift. This not only reduces mechanical wear but also prevents issues with poor power transmission during sudden starts. Occasionally, when parking on steep slopes, I double-check the handbrake's firmness to prevent accidental sliding. Vehicle maintenance tip: Incorporating this into daily habits can significantly reduce the frequency of repairs.
