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

[VanMarley]

Whether to engage the handbrake or shift to neutral first when parking a car depends on whether it's a manual or automatic transmission. Below is relevant information for manual and automatic transmission cars: Manual transmission models: When parking a manual transmission car, first engage the handbrake, then shift to neutral. Automatic transmission models: When parking an automatic transmission car, first shift to neutral, then engage the handbrake. After shifting to neutral and engaging the handbrake, wait for the car to come to a complete stop before shifting to Park (P), turning off the engine, exiting the vehicle, and locking the doors. Engaging the handbrake first is to secure the car. If on an incline and you shift to neutral without engaging the handbrake first, forgetting to press the brake pedal could result in the car rolling.

[OLily]

As a seasoned driver with years of experience, I believe the parking sequence should never be taken lightly. Every time I come to a complete stop, I first shift to neutral to relieve the transmission load, then immediately engage the handbrake to lock the wheels. This sequence is especially critical on slopes. Once, I parked on a steep incline in front of my house and forgot to pull the handbrake – the car rolled back half a meter and nearly hit my neighbor's fence. That incident gave me quite a scare. Since then, I've established a strict routine: firmly press the brake to stop -> shift to neutral to release power -> engage handbrake to secure the vehicle -> finally turn off the engine. Following the correct sequence prevents excessive stress on the braking system, reduces component wear, and most importantly ensures safety. Maintaining this habit long-term can even save some maintenance costs. Others might have different habits, but I insist on this reliable method – safety always comes first, and spending an extra second or two is absolutely worthwhile.

[McLuke]

I often tinker with my car and have some insights on the parking sequence. In a manual transmission car, you should first shift to neutral to allow the transmission to rotate freely, then engage the handbrake to secure the position. It's similar for automatic transmissions—shift to N (neutral) and then apply the parking brake. Doing it the opposite way, such as engaging the handbrake before shifting to neutral, can cause excessive wear on the brake pads of the rear wheels, especially on slopes. I've tried it myself, and the correct sequence reduces vibrations and noise, making the process smoother. Shifting to neutral at red lights also saves a bit of fuel and reduces emissions. Developing this habit not only ensures safety but also makes the car more durable and extends its lifespan. Remember to operate carefully after the car has come to a complete stop—details determine the car's health.

[ValentinaRose]

I'm a novice driver who just finished driving lessons. My instructor emphasized that the parking steps must be followed in order: first press the brake to bring the car to a complete stop, then shift to neutral and release the power, next engage the handbrake to prevent rolling, and finally turn off the engine. During practice, I once parked on a steep slope and messed up the sequence—the car rolled back instantly and nearly caused an accident, which scared me. Now I always follow these steps when driving and feel much safer. The principle and sequence are pretty much the same for automatic transmission cars, just more fixed. Developing this habit saves a lot of trouble.