Should You Engage the Handbrake When Parking on Rainy Days?
2 Answers
It is best not to engage the handbrake on rainy days. If you do, the handbrake and brake discs can easily rust and stick together due to the moisture, causing the tires to lock up and making it difficult to start the car. Using first gear for engine braking is an alternative, but remember to disengage the gear before starting the car to avoid sudden movement. Below is a detailed explanation of when to use the handbrake: 1. Parking and Turning Off the Engine with the Handbrake Engaged: The handbrake, also known as the parking brake, provides resistance to prevent the car from rolling when parked. Automatic transmission vehicles do not require manual gear shifting, as the car automatically selects the appropriate gear based on speed and traffic conditions. 2. Parking in Neutral with the Handbrake Engaged: Generally, automatic transmission vehicles have six gear positions, listed from top to bottom as: P, R, N, D, S, L.
Applying the parking brake is crucial when parking on rainy days, especially when the ground is slippery, as vehicles can easily slide. With over 20 years of driving experience, I've witnessed numerous accidents caused by not using the parking brake in wet conditions. The risk is even greater if parked on a slope—the car could slide and collide with other vehicles or pedestrians. Even on flat ground, heavy rain can turn the surface into a slippery layer, and engaging the parking brake provides an extra safety lock for the vehicle. Always check your surroundings after parking to ensure stability, and don't rely solely on the gear position. Moreover, making this a habit applies in any weather—safety is no small matter, and it can prevent major issues at critical moments. I manually tighten the parking brake every time I park, even for just a few minutes.
