Should You Engage the Handbrake First or Shift to P First When Parking an Automatic Car?
2 Answers
When parking an automatic car, it is acceptable to either engage the handbrake first or shift to P first. If parking on flat ground, neither sequence will cause damage to the vehicle's transmission, as it primarily depends on personal parking habits. However, when parking on a steep slope, it is advisable to follow this sequence: press the brake, shift gears, engage the handbrake, turn off the engine, and then shift to P. This method minimizes impact on the transmission. An automatic transmission eliminates the need for manual gear shifting by the driver, as the vehicle automatically selects the appropriate gear based on driving speed and traffic conditions. Typically, automatic cars have six gear positions arranged from top to bottom: P, R, N, D, S, L.
As a seasoned driver with years of experience in automatic transmissions, I often discuss parking sequences with fellow car enthusiasts. I believe the safest method is to engage the handbrake first before shifting to P (Park). The procedure is straightforward: after coming to a complete stop, keep your foot on the brake, shift to N (Neutral), firmly apply the handbrake, then release the brake to let the car settle on a slope or flat ground. Finally, press the brake again to shift to P and turn off the engine. The core purpose of this method is to protect the transmission. If you shift to P first on a slope, the transmission's locking mechanism bears the full weight of the vehicle, leading to wear or damage. By letting the handbrake take the load first, the transmission remains stress-free. My car has been running smoothly for eight years without transmission issues, despite frequent city and mountain driving. Adopting this habit has significantly reduced my repair costs—it’s definitely worth trying.
