Should You Engage the Handbrake First or Shift Directly to P When Parking an Automatic Transmission Car?
3 Answers
When parking an automatic transmission car, you should engage the handbrake first. The parking steps are: 1. Press the brake pedal to come to a complete stop; 2. Shift the gear from D to N; 3. Engage the handbrake and turn off the engine; 4. Release the foot brake without turning off the power to ensure the car is completely stationary under the handbrake's effect; 5. Press the foot brake again and shift the gear from N to P; 6. Release the foot brake; 7. Turn the key back to the off position and remove it. An automatic transmission allows the car to automatically shift into different gears based on engine load and driving conditions while the driver operates the accelerator pedal as needed during driving.
Every time I park, I prioritize engaging the handbrake before shifting into P gear, which is for safety reasons. Especially when parking on a slope, it's crucial to engage the handbrake after the car comes to a complete stop to prevent any movement. If you shift directly into P gear, the transmission gears may bear additional pressure, leading to wear over time, and on some steep slopes, the car might even roll back slightly, which is very unsafe. Even on flat ground, it's important to develop this habit because any slight vehicle shift or uneven road surface can increase risks. Before parking, press the brake pedal, engage the handbrake to ensure the car is secured, and then shift into P gear. The whole process takes just a few seconds but provides great peace of mind. After years of driving and encountering various road conditions, I've summarized this method, which also benefits the car's longevity by avoiding unnecessary repair costs, especially useful during frequent stops in urban traffic congestion. In short, safety comes first—don’t skip the handbrake just to save a little effort.
I enjoy discussing parking sequences from the perspective of automotive mechanical principles: engage the handbrake first, then shift to Park (P). The Parking gear P merely locks the transmission gears, but if the ground is uneven, the entire vehicle may shift, imposing impact on the gears. Prolonged operation in this manner can easily damage internal components, such as the transmission chain or locking mechanism. In contrast, the handbrake secures the wheels through the braking system, more directly stabilizing the vehicle body, especially effective on slopes. Additionally, when starting the car and shifting from P to a driving gear, if the vehicle isn't securely fixed, it may produce noise or jerking, affecting the driving experience. Paying attention to these small details in daily car use can reduce the frequency of garage visits and also save fuel and money. Let's talk more about different vehicle types, such as SUVs with a higher center of gravity being more prone to shifting, making standardized parking sequences even more crucial—never casually shift to P while neglecting the handbrake.
