Should You Engage the Handbrake or Turn Off the Engine First When Exiting the Car?
4 Answers
When exiting the car, you should first engage the handbrake, shift to neutral, and then turn off the engine. The handbrake serves to brake the vehicle when parked on flat ground or slopes, preventing the car from rolling away unattended and avoiding traffic accidents. The correct method to engage the handbrake is: 1. Press the handbrake button before pulling it; 2. Apply gentle force when pulling the handbrake; 3. Pull the handbrake up to about 70% of its capacity—fully engaging it to the maximum point can shorten the lifespan of the handbrake cable. The dangers of forgetting to engage the handbrake while driving include: 1. The brake pump being unable to provide sufficient braking force, causing the engine to stall; 2. Accelerated wear of the brake discs and hardening of the brake pads due to friction heat; 3. Stretching of the handbrake cable; 4. Potential leakage of brake caliper fluid, leading to brake failure.
From a safety perspective, I always insist on engaging the handbrake before turning off the engine when parking, especially on slopes, as this prevents the vehicle from sliding and causing accidents. When the engine is still running, applying the handbrake makes it easier to keep the car firmly in place; once the engine is off, the brake booster will fail, and the wheels may loosen and roll away. I remember once on a hillside, I almost turned off the engine first, and the car slightly rolled back, giving me a scare—since then, I've adopted this good habit. Whether driving an automatic or manual transmission, this sequence is equally important. After making this a routine, it also provides more security on rainy or icy roads, reducing the risk of sliding. In fact, this is just a small detail in daily driving, but it can protect lives and property, making parking safer and more efficient.
When discussing manual transmissions, I've noticed different habits with manual cars: when parking, I first shift into a lower gear, then apply the handbrake, and finally turn off the engine. With automatics, it's much simpler—just apply the handbrake and then turn off the engine. If the engine is turned off first, the braking pressure may drop, potentially causing the car to slip, especially before the transmission is shifted into park. I've personally tried both sequences and found that turning off the engine before applying the handbrake makes the brakes feel harder to engage and can lead to faster wear on components. So, regardless of the car type, I recommend stabilizing the vehicle first. This rule helps prevent unintended movement, such as when parking in a lot or tight space. Ultimately, getting the sequence right can extend the life of the braking system and save trouble down the line.
As a daily commuter who drives every day, I've developed a routine when getting out of the car: press the brake, engage the handbrake, and then turn off the engine. This habit has become as smooth as brushing my teeth in the morning, taking just a minute to complete. At first, I might forget, but with persistence, muscle memory kicks in; on flat ground, it doesn't feel dangerous, but when parking in busy areas, if the car were to roll, it could scratch someone else's car or worse. By doing this every time, I feel more at ease, without worrying about the car drifting. Keeping the actions simple is what matters most.
