Should You Engage the P Gear or Pull the Handbrake First When Parking?
2 Answers
When parking, it is acceptable to either engage the P gear or pull the handbrake first. The P gear brakes the output end of the transmission. Due to the clearance in the components at the output end, on flat roads, whether you pull the handbrake or engage the P gear first makes no difference to the braking effect on the vehicle itself. However, the handbrake is a wear-prone component. For short-term parking on flat roads, simply engaging the P gear is sufficient to keep the vehicle stationary, and you may skip pulling the handbrake. When parking on a slope, if you engage the P gear before pulling the handbrake, the force from the incline can easily cause the clearance to lock up. Over time, this can also lead to wear on the component, making it difficult to shift gears when restarting the vehicle. Therefore, when parking on an incline, always remember to shift to N gear, pull the handbrake, and then engage the P gear.
I've been driving for many years and always make it a habit to engage the parking brake before shifting into P (Park) when parking. Why? The P mode is actually a mechanism that locks the transmission. If you shift into P first while parked on a slope, the weight of the vehicle will press against the transmission lock, potentially causing gear deformation or jamming. Especially on urban slopes, failing to stabilize the car with the parking brake first can easily lead to P mode malfunctions, and repairs can be costly. By engaging the parking brake before shifting into P, the car is fully secured, protecting the transmission from unnecessary stress. I've seen many people overlook this, resulting in accelerated transmission wear and expensive replacement parts. Developing this good habit protects the vehicle's core components and extends its lifespan, whether on flat ground or slopes. The parking procedure is simple: brake to a complete stop, engage the parking brake, shift into P, and turn off the engine—safe and worry-free.
