Should You Release the Handbrake or Shift Gears First When Parking?
4 Answers
When parking, you should shift gears first and then release the handbrake. The correct steps for parking an automatic transmission vehicle are: 1. Press the foot brake to stop the car; 2. Shift the gear from D to N; 3. Engage the handbrake and turn off the engine; 4. Press the foot brake and shift the gear from N to P; 5. Release the foot brake; 6. Turn the key back, turn off the power, and remove the key. The correct sequence for parking a manual transmission vehicle is: 1. Turn on the right or left turn signal; 2. Lightly press the brake to reduce speed, observe the right rearview mirror, and drive to the right; 3. When the speed is relatively low, press the clutch pedal, and pay attention to the surrounding distance when parking; 4. Once the car is stationary, shift to neutral, turn off the turn signal, engage the handbrake, and turn off the engine.
When parking, it's generally recommended to engage the handbrake first before shifting gears to prevent the car from moving unexpectedly and causing danger. My practice is: first press the brake to ensure the car is completely stopped, then pull the handbrake to secure the wheels, followed by shifting to neutral or an appropriate gear (such as reverse or first gear on a slope to prevent rolling), and finally turn off the engine. When starting, the sequence is reversed: after ignition, press the clutch and shift to first gear, confirm it's safe, then release the handbrake to start moving. This sequence is especially important on steep slopes because engaging a gear can assist the handbrake in stabilizing the car and reducing the risk of rolling. I once tried shifting gears without promptly engaging the handbrake on a mountain road, and the car slid slightly, almost causing a scrape—it was quite frightening. Developing this habit makes driving more reassuring and also protects the transmission from additional load.
I always remind beginners: when starting the vehicle, don't rush to release the handbrake—shifting gears first and then releasing the handbrake is key. For example, after ignition, press the clutch to engage first gear, wait for the engine to stabilize, then release the handbrake and start slowly. When parking, do the opposite: press the brake to stop the car, pull the handbrake, shift to neutral (or engage a gear on a slope), and turn off the engine. This habit stems from preventing sudden transmission load. If you release the handbrake before shifting gears and fail to press the clutch properly during startup, the car may lurch suddenly, damaging components. The same applies to automatic transmissions—engage the electronic handbrake before shifting to P while pressing the brake. Experience tells me that improper operation can accelerate clutch wear or pose safety hazards.
When operating a manual transmission to park, I recommend applying the handbrake first before shifting gears. First, press the foot brake to bring the car to a complete stop, then fully engage the handbrake to secure the vehicle, and finally shift into neutral or a gear to protect the transmission. The starting sequence should be reversed: press the clutch to ignite, shift into first gear, release the handbrake, and smoothly apply the throttle. The reason is simple: prioritizing the handbrake distributes the pressure and prevents excessive strain on the transmission gears. On steep slopes, engaging a gear serves as an additional safety measure. When I first learned to drive, I forgot this sequence once, causing the car to roll slightly on a slope and hit some bushes. Now, I always check the handbrake and gear status before operating. Developing good habits daily can save on repair costs and ensure driving safety.
