Should You Engage the Handbrake or Shift Gears First?

[Jesse]

For manual transmission vehicles, it is recommended to shift into gear before releasing the handbrake. This is to prevent the vehicle from rolling backward if parked on a slope. Engaging the gear first and then releasing the handbrake can effectively prevent the vehicle from rolling. For automatic transmission vehicles, either method is acceptable—engaging the gear first or releasing the handbrake first—as long as safety is ensured. There is no strict order for automatic transmissions. Manual transmission vehicles use a manual gear-shifting mechanism to adjust speed, requiring the driver to manually move the gear lever to change the gear engagement position inside the transmission, altering the gear ratio to achieve speed changes. Automatic transmission vehicles, on the other hand, do not require the driver to manually shift gears; the vehicle automatically selects the appropriate gear based on driving speed and traffic conditions.

[JuniperDella]

When parking, I always engage the handbrake first before shifting gears, whether it's an automatic or manual transmission car. The reason is simple: if you shift directly into gear (such as the P gear in an automatic transmission), the vehicle might roll slightly, putting pressure on the transmission. Over time, this can damage the gears or other components. This is especially important when parking on slopes to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly and causing safety hazards. When starting, the order is reversed: first press the brake, shift into gear, and then release the handbrake to ensure a smooth start. After driving for many years and forming this habit, I've never had any transmission issues. I remember a friend who didn't pay attention to the order—his car slid a bit when parking on a slope, costing a lot in repairs. So, developing good habits not only protects the car but also enhances driving safety, especially in frequent start-stop situations, saving on repair costs. I recommend everyone pay attention to this detail in daily driving.