Should You Engage the Parking Brake First or Shift to P First in an Automatic Transmission?
2 Answers
In an automatic transmission, you should shift to P first and then engage the parking brake. Below is relevant information about automatic transmissions: 1. Transmission Types: There are mainly two types of automatic transmissions used in vehicles. One is the stepped automatic transmission, and the other is the continuously variable transmission (CVT). The most commonly used in passenger cars is the mechanical CVT, which utilizes a V-shaped metal belt or chain to transfer torque between the driving and driven pulleys. This transmission method is typically used in smaller vehicles. 2. Operational Characteristics: In modern automatic transmission vehicles, the driver only needs to control the accelerator pedal. The computer analyzes signals from sensors that detect the engine throttle opening and vehicle speed, automatically controlling gear shifts or engaging different gears. Generally, automatic transmissions result in some power loss from the engine. The biggest advantage of automatic transmission vehicles is convenience, especially in traffic jams or when facing uphill stops, where their benefits become even more apparent. Nowadays, automatic transmission vehicles are becoming increasingly popular. From the perspective of advanced automotive development countries, most vehicles are transitioning to fully automatic transmissions, and the replacement of manual transmissions by automatics as the primary choice for daily driving is a trend in automotive development.
When parking, I always engage the parking brake before shifting to P, for a simple reason: the transmission can't take the abuse. If you shift to P first, the car might roll and impact the transmission gears on a slope, causing cumulative damage that could cost a fortune to repair. I remember once parking on a roadside slope and forgetting the sequence—I went straight to P, and the car shifted slightly, making a loud clunking noise in the transmission, with lingering effects for quite a while. So, making it a habit to engage the parking brake first not only protects the drivetrain but also extends your car's lifespan, especially on slippery surfaces. One more thing—don’t skip the step: after coming to a full stop, pull the parking brake tight for two or three seconds before shifting to P. It saves money and gives peace of mind. Fellow drivers should give this method a try.