Should You Engage the Gear or Pull the Handbrake First When Parking?
2 Answers
When parking, you should pull the handbrake first and then engage the gear. In a car's transmission, both the P (Park) and N (Neutral) gears disconnect the power transfer between the input and output shafts. However, the P gear differs from the N gear in that it includes a pawl gear mechanism at the end of the output shaft. The pawl is fixed to the transmission housing, while the gear is attached to the end of the output shaft. When the transmission is shifted into P gear, the pawl is pressed down to engage with the gear, achieving a locking effect. The principle behind the handbrake stopping the vehicle is by clamping the rear brake discs, preventing the rear wheels from rotating. Mechanical cable-type handbrakes use steel cables to pull the brake calipers, which then clamp the brake discs, while electronic handbrakes operate by activating servo motors on the brake calipers to clamp the brake discs.
I always insist on engaging the parking brake before shifting into gear when parking. This is primarily because the parking brake is the primary means of directly securing the wheels, which can immediately prevent the vehicle from sliding, especially on steep slopes or slippery roads. If you shift into gear first, the weight of the vehicle may press on the transmission, increasing the load on the gears, which can lead to mechanical damage over time. I remember once when I forgot to engage the parking brake while parking on a mountain road, the car rolled half a meter—luckily, there was no car behind me. Since then, I've developed this habit. At the same time, it's important to regularly check the effectiveness of the parking brake. Worn brake cables or loose levers can cause failure, increasing the risk of accidents. For safety first, I always make sure the parking brake is fully engaged before shifting into first or reverse gear as a double safeguard, depending on the situation.
