Should You Engage the Handbrake or Shift to Neutral First After Parking?
2 Answers
There are two scenarios regarding whether to engage the handbrake or shift to neutral first after parking: For manual transmission vehicles: Engage the handbrake first, then shift to neutral. For automatic transmission vehicles: Shift to neutral first, then engage the handbrake. Detailed parking procedures for manual and automatic transmissions are as follows: Parking steps for manual transmission vehicles: First, press the brake to slow down the car, then hold the brake to bring the vehicle to a complete stop. Engage the handbrake, shift to neutral, turn off the engine, exit the vehicle, and lock the doors. Parking steps for automatic transmission vehicles: First, press the brake to slow down the car, then hold the brake to bring the vehicle to a complete stop. Shift to neutral, engage the handbrake, wait until the car is stationary, shift to P (Park), turn off the engine, exit the vehicle, and lock the doors.
As a young driver who frequently drives in the city, I've developed a habit of always engaging the parking brake to secure the car first, then shifting to neutral or park depending on the situation. The reasoning is simple: the parking brake acts on the wheels, so applying it first prevents rolling and avoids putting all the weight on the transmission, especially on slopes. If you only shift to park, the transmission's locking mechanism bears excessive force, leading to accelerated wear over time. I remember when I first started driving, I neglected this step—after parking on a steep slope and starting up again, the car jolted, which scared me into forming this good habit. Now, even when temporarily stopping at red lights, I instinctively shift to neutral and engage the parking brake, saving fuel and preventing slippage. Developing this sequence not only enhances safety but also protects vehicle components, extending their lifespan. Whether parking daily in a garage or on the roadside, I always pay extra attention.
