Should You Engage the Handbrake or Shift to P First When Parking an Automatic Transmission Car?
2 Answers
When parking an automatic transmission car, you should engage the handbrake before shifting to P. The parking method is as follows: 1. Press the brake pedal to bring the car to a smooth stop; 2. Shift the gear from D to N, then engage the handbrake; 3. Press the foot brake and shift the gear from N to P; 4. Release the foot brake, press the one-button start button to turn off the power. The method for starting an automatic transmission car is: 1. Press the start button to unlock the steering wheel's electronic lock; 2. Press the start button to enter the vehicle's self-check state; 3. Press the brake pedal and then press the start button; 4. Fasten the seatbelt, press the foot brake, shift to D, release the handbrake, and gently press the accelerator to start the car.
The parking sequence actually matters a lot. With twenty years of driving experience, I always make it a habit to engage the handbrake first before shifting to P mode. The reason is simple: if you shift to P mode first, a small component in the transmission called the park pawl has to bear the entire weight of the vehicle, especially on slopes where the car might slide slightly, adding extra stress. Over time, this can lead to wear or unusual noises. I lived in a mountainous city for a few years, and once, when I didn’t pay attention to the sequence, the car had a slight shudder when parked. Later, I had the transmission checked—luckily, it was a minor issue. Now, with this habit, my car lasts longer, especially on slopes like those in supermarket parking lots. Safety comes first in daily driving—this step takes no extra effort and can save you repair costs.
