Should You Engage the Handbrake or Turn Off the Engine First When Exiting the Car?
2 Answers
Engage the handbrake first, then shift to neutral before turning off the engine. Below are the specific steps for correctly applying the handbrake: 1. Press the handbrake button before pulling it up. 2. Apply gentle force when pulling the handbrake. 3. Pull the handbrake up to about 70% of its capacity; pulling it all the way to the top can shorten the lifespan of the handbrake cable. Here are the potential hazards of driving without releasing the handbrake: (1) The brake pump cannot provide sufficient braking force, causing the engine to stall. (2) Accelerated wear of the brake disc and hardening of the brake pads due to friction heat. (3) Elongation of the handbrake cable. (4) Leakage of brake caliper fluid, leading to brake failure.
I've been driving for thirty years, and I always make it a habit to engage the handbrake before turning off the engine. This habit stems from a lesson I learned in my younger days: once, I parked on a steep slope and, in a hurry, turned off the engine without engaging the handbrake. The car rolled downhill and hit a roadside barrier. Fortunately, it wasn’t a major accident. Since then, I’ve understood that safety should always come first. Engaging the handbrake first prevents the car from sliding unexpectedly, especially on slopes or when the road is wet. For manual transmission cars, turning off the engine before engaging the handbrake might cause the car to jerk forward, putting strain on the transmission. Even for automatic cars, doing it in the wrong order can stress the parking system. I remind myself every day: parking is like locking a door—engaging the handbrake locks the wheels, and only after confirming stability should you turn off the engine. Developing this habit has not only saved me from repair troubles but also helped avoid emergencies. Remember, safe driving starts with simple habits.
