Should You Engage the Handbrake or Shift to Neutral First When Parking?

[StBeckett]

When parking, you should engage the handbrake first and then shift to neutral. The correct parking sequence is: 1. After pulling the handbrake, the car will be secured; 2. Shifting to neutral ensures the car won't move or stall when the engine is running; 3. Releasing the clutch first prevents the car from moving if the clutch is released without shifting to neutral, especially when the handbrake isn't engaged and the brake pedal isn't pressed; 4. After turning off the engine, shift into first gear to prevent the car from moving in case the handbrake cable breaks or the slope is too steep, as the first gear's teeth will lock the car in place. The handbrake, professionally known as an auxiliary brake, operates differently from the main brake system. It uses a steel cable connected to the rear brake shoes to apply braking force to the vehicle.