Should You Engage the Handbrake or Shift Gears First in an Automatic Transmission Car?
3 Answers
Shift gears first and then release the handbrake. The safest way to start an automatic transmission car is to first press the foot brake, then shift to D (Drive) gear, followed by releasing the handbrake before releasing the foot brake, and finally pressing the accelerator to complete the start. Some models use an electronic handbrake, which will automatically disengage as soon as the accelerator is pressed. Below is more information about the handbrake: 1. The handbrake primarily functions by activating the braking system to secure the vehicle. When starting, shifting gears before engaging the handbrake allows the car to start smoothly in a stable condition. 2. When parking, it is necessary to engage the handbrake first and then shift to P (Park) gear. In this scenario, the braking work is accomplished by the braking system, with the P gear mainly serving as an auxiliary function, allowing the internal components to remain completely relaxed, thereby better maintaining the car's parts and preventing excessive wear. 3. The gear positions in an automatic transmission are relatively simple: D (Drive) is for moving forward, R (Reverse) is for backing up, N (Neutral) is the neutral position, and P (Park) is the parking gear.
As an experienced driver who frequently parks on slopes, I believe the parking sequence is crucial for safety. First, firmly press the brake to bring the vehicle to a complete stop, then shift into P (Park) to lock the transmission, and finally engage the parking brake to secure the wheels. This procedure prevents the car from accidentally sliding on inclines, especially during rain or snow, as skipping steps may lead to rollaway incidents. I once experienced a minor scare in a garage downhill where I shifted to P without fully engaging the parking brake—the car moved slightly, causing alarming transmission noises, but thankfully no damage occurred. Developing good habits is straightforward: after stopping, execute P → parking brake in one smooth motion. Additionally, regularly inspect parking brake cables for wear to maintain effectiveness. Extra precautions like turning wheels against the curb provide added security. Never cut corners for convenience—vehicle safety leaves no room for compromise.
From driving in my youth to retirement, my decades of experience tell me: it's safer to engage the parking brake before shifting to P after coming to a complete stop. Especially on steep slopes or in underground garages where vehicles may slightly move, securing the wheels first reduces stress on the transmission. Beginners often ask about the sequence, but the key is to act only after fully stopping to avoid distraction. Different road conditions call for different approaches—on flat ground, the order matters less, but maintaining consistency is better. Having driven various automatic transmission cars, I've found that once it becomes second nature, the operation flows smoothly without hesitation. In daily scenarios, like after rain when the parking brake might slip, shifting to P first actually increases risk. More driving experience naturally builds muscle memory. I recommend both new and experienced drivers read the manual to adapt to their vehicle's specifics. Mechanics have mentioned that incorrect sequences can wear parts prematurely—neglecting such small details may lead to bigger troubles.
