Should You Engage the Handbrake or Shift Gears First?
4 Answers
Shift gears first, then release the handbrake. This is because the handbrake is more stable than the P gear. In a car's transmission, both P (Park) and N (Neutral) gears disconnect the power transfer between the input and output shafts. The difference is that the P gear also has a set of pawl gear mechanisms at the end of the output shaft. Below are the steps for starting a manual transmission car on a flat road: 1. Use your right hand to shift into 1st gear; turn on the left turn signal with your right hand; press the horn with your left hand; 2. Slowly lift the clutch pedal with your left foot to the semi-engagement point while gradually releasing the parking brake lever with your right hand and gently pressing the accelerator pedal with your right foot to add throttle; 3. Observe the car's movement: if there is a tendency to shake, add throttle promptly; if there is a tendency to roll, release the parking brake pedal promptly; 4. Listen carefully to the engine sound: if it becomes lower, add throttle or release the parking brake pedal promptly; if the engine sound becomes higher, reduce the throttle or lift the clutch pedal promptly; 5. After the car moves 3-4 meters, release the clutch pedal with your left foot; once the car reaches normal speed with the right foot pressing the accelerator, merge into the normal lane and turn off the turn signal.
The safest operating sequence when parking is: first shift to neutral, then engage the handbrake, and finally shift to P (Park). This prevents the transmission gears from getting stuck. Once, I was in a hurry and shifted directly to P without engaging the handbrake, only to find the gear lever stuck when I returned to the car. The mechanic explained that when parking on a slope, the entire vehicle's weight rests on the transmission's locking mechanism. Remember this rhyme: brake to a complete stop → shift to neutral → firmly engage the handbrake → release the foot brake to let the car settle naturally → finally shift to P and turn off the engine. Automatic transmission models require special attention, and even manual transmission cars should shift to neutral before engaging the handbrake to avoid rolling and damaging the clutch plate. Once it becomes a habit, parking will feel like muscle memory every time.
When I was taking my driving test, my instructor repeatedly emphasized the three-step parking procedure: press the brake pedal firmly → shift to neutral → engage the handbrake. This sequence protects the transmission and prevents the car from rolling. A friend of mine parked on a slope by directly shifting to P (Park) and leaving, only to find a clicking noise when shifting gears the next day. The repair shop said the transmission parking pawl was deformed under the weight of the car. Now, when driving an automatic transmission car, I always ensure the vehicle comes to a complete stop, engage the electronic handbrake first, and then shift to P (Park). As for manual transmission cars, it's even simpler: press the clutch pedal, shift to neutral, engage the handbrake, and then release the clutch. Remember, whether on flat ground or a slope, always let the handbrake take the load first—the transmission is just the final safety measure.
Conclusion first: Always engage the handbrake before shifting into park. Manual transmission drivers should pay special attention—the correct sequence is: brake to a complete stop → depress clutch and shift to neutral → engage handbrake → release clutch and turn off engine. For automatic transmissions, apply the handbrake before shifting to P (Park). Once at a mall's downhill parking lot, I forgot this sequence and shifted directly to P, resulting in a harsh grinding noise from the transmission when retrieving the car. The mechanic explained this occurred because the vehicle's full weight was resting on the transmission's parking pawl. Now I strictly follow this golden rule: fully engage the handbrake to let the braking system bear the load first, allowing the transmission to shift smoothly into position. This practice also extends the lifespan of shifting components.
