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

[Madison]

When parking, you should engage the handbrake first and then shift to neutral. Here are the details: 1. The correct parking sequence: After the car comes to a complete stop, first engage the handbrake, then shift to neutral, release the clutch, finally release the brake and turn off the turn signal, shut off the engine, press the clutch, and finally shift into first gear. 2. Reasons: Engaging the handbrake first ensures the car is securely parked; shifting to neutral prevents the car from moving or stalling when the engine is running; shifting into first gear after shutting off the engine is to prevent the car from moving due to a broken handbrake cable or excessive slope, as the first gear's teeth will lock the car in place.