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Should You Engage the Handbrake or Shift to P Gear First in an Automatic Transmission?

2 Answers

ChristianDella

07/24/25 5:29am

For automatic transmission vehicles, it is acceptable to either shift to P gear first or engage the handbrake first, as there is no strict sequence between the two actions. However, before shifting to P gear, it is crucial to ensure that the vehicle has come to a complete stop. Failing to do so may damage the automatic transmission, which is an important point to note. Automatic transmission vehicles are equipped with a P gear, which stands for Parking gear and is used when parking and turning off the engine. More details are as follows: 1. Before turning off the engine, you must shift to P gear; otherwise, the vehicle cannot be turned off normally. 2. After shifting to P gear, the locking mechanism inside the transmission can lock the transmission gears, effectively locking the wheels indirectly. Even if the handbrake is not engaged, the vehicle will not move after shifting to P gear, but this does not mean you can skip engaging the handbrake. 3. If the handbrake is not engaged, the P gear locking mechanism may bear excessive force, potentially damaging it. Therefore, after shifting to P gear, it is essential to firmly engage the handbrake.

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VanJuliet

08/11/25 1:12am

As an experienced driver who has been driving automatic transmission cars for many years, I believe the parking sequence matters: always engaging the handbrake before shifting to P is the safest approach. The reason is simple. When parking on slopes or uneven ground, shifting to P first makes the parking pawl in the transmission bear the load of locking the vehicle. If the car moves slightly, it may cause wear or damage to internal components, leading to costly and time-consuming repairs. Engaging the handbrake first secures the wheels, and then shifting to P after the car is completely stationary is much safer. This habit is particularly important for protecting the drivetrain when driving older cars or frequently taking long trips. My routine now is: after braking to a complete stop, shift to N, engage the electronic or manual handbrake, confirm the car is motionless, then shift to P and turn off the engine. This prevents future abnormal noises and extends the lifespan of my beloved car with peace of mind.

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