Should You Engage the Handbrake or Shift to P First When Parking an Automatic Car?
2 Answers
When parking an automatic car, you can either engage the handbrake first or shift to P first. If parking on level ground, neither sequence will damage your car's transmission—it mainly depends on personal parking habits. For parking on steep slopes, follow this sequence: press the brake pedal, shift gear, engage the handbrake, turn off the engine, then shift to P. This minimizes transmission impact because the force is primarily on the handbrake. Generally, automatic car drivers adopt two parking methods: 1) Shift to P, release the brake, engage the handbrake, turn off the engine; or 2) Press brake, shift gear, engage handbrake, turn off engine, then shift to P. The key difference lies in whether P is engaged before or after the handbrake, essentially determining where the mechanical stress is distributed.
I've been driving automatic transmission cars for over ten years, and every time I park, I always insist on pulling the handbrake first before shifting to P. The reason is simple: the handbrake directly fixes the wheels with brake pads, while shifting to P uses a small mechanism in the transmission to lock the driveshaft. If you shift to P first, especially when parking on a slope, the entire weight of the car will press on that small mechanism, which can wear it out over time. In severe cases, it can damage the transmission, and repairing it can cost thousands. I remember once in a sloped parking lot, a friend shifted directly to P without pulling the handbrake, and the car slid slightly, causing strange noises from the transmission. We had to rush to the shop for a check. Now, I've developed a good habit: after the car comes to a complete stop, I immediately pull the handbrake to feel the wheels lock, then gently push the gear lever to P and turn off the engine. It's safe and worry-free, and the car will last longer. Once you get used to this sequence, you'll notice smoother gear shifts when starting the car.
