Should You Engage the Handbrake First or Shift to P Gear First After Parking?
2 Answers
For automatic transmission vehicles, it is recommended to engage the handbrake first before shifting to P gear. This prevents all the force from acting on the transmission's internal pawl and gears, thereby reducing damage to the transmission. However, the operation can also be adjusted based on specific situations: 1. If the road is flat, you can either shift to P gear first or engage the handbrake first when parking an automatic transmission vehicle. 2. If the vehicle is parked on a slope, it is advisable to engage the handbrake first before shifting to P gear. 3. If you are concerned about incorrect operation damaging the vehicle, follow the sequence of shifting to N gear - engaging the handbrake - shifting to P gear when parking.
I've been driving for over 20 years, and when parking, I always follow this sequence: first press the brake to come to a complete stop, shift into neutral, engage the parking brake to secure the vehicle, and finally shift into Park (P). This practice helps reduce strain on the transmission, especially on slopes. If you shift into P before engaging the parking brake, a small locking mechanism inside the transmission has to bear the vehicle's entire weight, which can lead to wear and potential failure over time. I've had a friend who didn't follow this method and ended up spending thousands on transmission replacement, so now I've made it a habit to double-check my parking sequence every time. Paying attention to these details during daily driving can also extend your car's lifespan and save on repair costs. In short, neutral and parking brake come first, with P as the final step – it's a simple and safe routine.