Should You Engage the Handbrake When the Car is in Neutral Gear?
2 Answers
Whether to engage the handbrake when the car is in neutral gear depends on the specific situation. If the temporary stop is very brief, you may not need to engage the handbrake—just keep your foot on the brake pedal. However, if the stop lasts more than half a minute while in neutral gear, you should engage the handbrake. The handbrake, professionally known as an auxiliary brake, operates differently from the main braking system. It uses a steel cable connected to the rear brake shoes to apply braking force. Prolonged use of the handbrake can cause the steel cable to undergo plastic deformation, which is irreversible. Over time, this reduces the handbrake's effectiveness and increases its travel distance. The handbrake is a frequently used system, and proper usage ensures smoother operation in the long run. This is especially important for mechanical handbrakes, which are common in many vehicles. Avoid engaging the handbrake when the car is not fully stopped.
When the car is shifted into N gear, which is neutral, I immediately apply the handbrake to prevent any accidental movement. Neutral means the gears are not engaged, and the car relies solely on its own weight or external forces. If parked on a slope or uneven ground, it could roll and cause an accident. I believe this is a fundamental safe driving habit. From my experience, automatic transmission cars have a locking mechanism in P gear, but N gear lacks similar protection, so using the handbrake is essential; the same goes for manual transmission cars. Even during brief stops at traffic lights on flat roads, I’ve developed this habit—applying the handbrake ensures I won’t get distracted and cause the car to roll. Once, I forgot to engage the handbrake in a parking lot, and the car rolled slightly, nearly hitting another vehicle. Since then, I’ve never been careless. In short, for the safety of myself and others, combining N gear with the handbrake is a reliable practice.
