Should You Engage the Handbrake or Shift to P Gear First When Parking?
3 Answers
For automatic transmissions with electronic handbrakes, you can either shift to P gear first and then engage the handbrake, or engage the handbrake first and then shift to P gear. If you choose to engage the handbrake first and then shift to P gear, the driver must continuously press the brake pedal, as automatic transmissions typically use hydraulic transmission, and the fluid flow has some inertia. Sudden changes can cause some impact. The professional term for the handbrake is the auxiliary brake, which operates differently from the main brake. It uses a steel cable connected to the rear brake shoes to apply braking force to the vehicle. Long-term use of the handbrake can cause the steel cable to undergo plastic deformation. Since this deformation is irreversible, prolonged use will reduce its effectiveness, and the handbrake's travel distance will also increase.
I've been driving for decades, and every time I park, I make it a habit to engage the parking brake before shifting into P. This stems from basic mechanical principles: after the car comes to a complete stop, if you shift into P first, especially on a slope, the full weight of the vehicle will press against the transmission, which can lead to wear or damage over time. On the other hand, pulling the parking brake tight first lets the braking system take on the task of securing the car, making it much safer to then shift into P—the P gear mainly serves as a gear lock and isn’t meant to bear the weight. I remember once parking on a steep slope when I got lazy and shifted into P first, and the car rolled, nearly hitting an obstacle. Since then, I’ve never taken it lightly. Developing this habit effectively protects the car from malfunctions. The same applies on flat ground—making "handbrake first, then P" muscle memory. By the way, doing this is even more effective at preventing rollaways when roads are icy in winter.
I just got my driver's license, and my instructor repeatedly emphasized the parking rules: you must first firmly press the foot brake, then engage the handbrake, and finally shift to P before turning off the engine. When I asked why, he explained that the handbrake is a mechanical system fixed to the wheels, which bears the vehicle's weight more directly, while the P gear is just a locking tooth in the transmission—forcing it to bear the weight would accelerate wear. I tested this on a small slope, and if I reversed the steps, the car would shake slightly, as if the gears were struggling. Now, I strictly follow this sequence every time I park. Beginners might find it tedious, but it prevents long-term issues. By the way, this sequence is easier to remember for automatic cars, while manual cars are simpler—just shift to neutral and pull the handbrake. In short, developing good habits is super important for car maintenance.
