Should You Engage the Handbrake or Shift to Neutral First?
3 Answers
When parking, you can either engage the handbrake first or shift to neutral first. Both automatic and manual transmission vehicles have a neutral gear. Once shifted into neutral, the engine's power cannot be transmitted to the wheels, and the vehicle will not move. Relevant details are as follows: 1. Methods: Both P (Park) and neutral can be used when parking, but there are some differences between them. When shifted into P, the locking mechanism inside the automatic transmission will lock the transmission's wheels, effectively locking the vehicle's wheels indirectly. In this state, the car cannot move even without engaging the handbrake. When shifted into neutral, there is no locking mechanism to secure the transmission gears, so the vehicle can still move if the handbrake is not engaged. 2. Automatic Transmission: The neutral gear in an automatic transmission is used for short stops without turning off the engine, while P is used when parking and turning off the engine. If you do not shift into P when parking, the car cannot be turned off normally. After shifting into P, always engage the handbrake; otherwise, excessive force may be applied to the P locking mechanism in the automatic transmission, potentially causing damage to it.
I've been driving for many years and always strictly follow the parking sequence: first press the brake to stop the car completely, then shift to neutral, engage the handbrake, and finally shift to P gear. This procedure protects the automatic transmission, preventing the car from rolling on slopes or adding mechanical stress. Long-term incorrect operation may damage the transmission, which can be expensive to repair. I remember once on a steep slope, I shifted to P gear without engaging the handbrake, and the car slightly rolled, giving me a scare. I recommend forming this habit whether on flat roads or slopes—it's safer and saves the car. I also regularly check if the handbrake tension is tight enough to prevent aging issues, making vehicle maintenance more worry-free.
As a new car owner, my driving instructor emphasized the standard driving school procedure of shifting to neutral before applying the handbrake when parking. Shifting to neutral temporarily disconnects the drivetrain, applying the handbrake secures the wheels, and only then should you shift to P (Park) to lock the transmission. Ignoring this sequence may cause slight vehicle movement, potentially damaging the gears or even leading to safety issues. I personally experienced this when I shifted directly to P at a red light – the car jerked, teaching me a valuable lesson. Developing good habits, especially when waiting at traffic lights, can extend your vehicle's lifespan and save unnecessary expenses.
