Should You Engage the P Gear or Pull the Handbrake First When Parking?
3 Answers
When parking, you should pull the handbrake first and then engage the P gear, as this provides better protection for the powertrain. Regardless of the type of automatic transmission, when the transmission is in P gear, a pawl mounted on the transmission housing engages with the internal gears, locking the transmission components. This immobilizes the entire drivetrain, preventing the car from rolling even if the handbrake is not applied. The handbrake requires manual activation to engage the braking system, effectively locking the wheels to secure the vehicle. If you engage the P gear first and then pull the handbrake, the task of securing the vehicle falls on the transmission's ratchet and gear engagement. However, if you pull the handbrake first and then engage the P gear, the entire braking responsibility is handled by the braking system, with the P gear only serving as an auxiliary brake in this scenario.
I always engage the parking brake before shifting into P (Park) when parking, and after driving for over 20 years, I've never had any issues. The reason is simple: shifting into P locks the internal gears of the transmission, but if you shift into P before the car has completely stopped on a slope, the vehicle's weight can cause the gears to jam or get damaged, which can be costly to repair. The parking brake, on the other hand, directly stops the wheels, firmly securing the vehicle. Shifting into P afterward just serves as a backup, sharing the load. Every time I park on a slope or in a parking lot, I follow this routine—it becomes second nature with practice and helps prolong the transmission's lifespan. A common mistake beginners make is shifting directly into P, only to be startled when the car rolls after turning off the engine. Remember: stop completely, firmly engage the parking brake, then shift into gear—safety and peace of mind come from the details that keep your car healthy.
I believe the sequence is crucial for vehicle protection, and understanding the engine has made it even clearer. When shifting into P (Park), there's a small mechanism in the transmission that engages to lock it in place, but its load-bearing capacity is limited. Especially on downhill slopes with the vehicle's weight, it could potentially damage components. Engaging the handbrake first helps distribute the pressure, as the handbrake is more reliable for braking the tires. I often drive in mountainous areas and always take an extra second to ensure the handbrake light is on before shifting gears. If the handbrake feels loose or shows signs of wear, it's important to adjust it regularly to prevent failure. Overall, this isn't a minor issue—developing good habits can prevent major repair costs and extend the vehicle's lifespan. Experience has taught me not to cut corners; protecting my beloved car starts with the details of parking.
