Should You Engage the Parking Brake or Shift to P First in an Automatic Transmission?
3 Answers
In an automatic transmission, it is acceptable to either engage the parking brake or shift to P (Park) first when parking. Automatic transmissions are equipped with both P and N (Neutral) gears, both of which can be used when parking. The difference between P and N is as follows: when shifted into P, the locking mechanism inside the transmission locks the gears, preventing the vehicle from moving even without the parking brake engaged. When shifted into N, the locking mechanism does not engage the gears, meaning the vehicle may roll if the parking brake is not applied. Before turning off the engine, always shift into P; otherwise, the key cannot be removed. When parking on slopes, it is best to first engage the parking brake firmly and then shift into P. Alternatively, you can press the brake pedal, shift into P, keep the brake pedal depressed, and then engage the parking brake. Before shifting into P, always ensure the vehicle has come to a complete stop to avoid damaging the transmission's locking mechanism.
I always make it a habit to engage the handbrake first before shifting into P (Park) gear, especially on slopes. When parking on an incline, if you shift into P gear first, the entire weight of the vehicle will press against the transmission's parking pawl mechanism, which can lead to wear or damage over time. Once, I forgot the correct sequence on a steep slope and shifted directly into P gear. Later, when starting the car, I noticed a grinding noise, and upon inspection, found slight damage to the transmission. Now, I’ve developed a routine: after coming to a complete stop with the foot brake, I firmly engage the handbrake to ensure the car doesn’t move, then shift into P gear and turn off the engine. This not only protects the transmission but also prevents the car from rolling unexpectedly. Even on flat ground where the risk is lower, I stick to this practice—safety first. After decades of driving, I’ve learned that small habits like this can extend the lifespan of your beloved car. There’s no harm in learning a little more.
When I first started learning to drive an automatic, I was also confused about this. My instructor said that when parking, you should first engage the handbrake and then shift into P (Park) gear. The reason is that P gear is equivalent to mechanically locking the key components of the car. If the car is still slightly moving when you shift into P, it can put extra strain on the transmission. Once, I parked on a flat surface and out of convenience, I shifted into P first and then pulled the handbrake—nothing bad happened. But later, I saw discussions on car forums saying that doing this frequently might shorten the transmission's lifespan. Now, when I drive myself, I strictly follow my instructor's method: stop the car, engage the handbrake to confirm it's secure, and finally shift into P. Protecting the transmission isn't troublesome, and it's crucial for beginners to develop good habits—it becomes second nature over time.
