Should You Shift to Neutral or Engage the Handbrake First When Parking?
4 Answers
When parking, you should engage the handbrake before shifting gears. In a car's transmission, both P (Park) and N (Neutral) modes disconnect the power transfer between the input and output shafts. However, the P mode differs from N mode in that it includes a set of pawl gear mechanisms at the end of the output shaft. The pawl is fixed to the transmission housing, while the gear is fixed to the end of the output shaft. When the transmission is shifted into P mode, the pawl presses down and engages with the gear, achieving a locking effect. At this point, both wheels cannot rotate simultaneously in the same direction, preventing the vehicle from moving forward or backward. The principle behind the handbrake stopping the vehicle involves clamping the rear brake discs, preventing the rear wheels from rotating. Mechanical cable-type handbrakes use steel cables to pull the brake calipers, which then clamp the brake discs, while electronic handbrakes operate servo motors on the brake calipers to achieve the same effect.
When parking, I most recommend applying the handbrake first before shifting to neutral or Park. This sequence is primarily for safety reasons—engaging the handbrake immediately locks the wheels, preventing the car from rolling unexpectedly, especially when parking on slopes. I've seen many friends shift to neutral first and then apply the handbrake, only to have the car roll slightly and nearly hit other vehicles or pedestrians. Developing this habit is simple: every time you come to a stop, don’t hesitate—just pull the handbrake first and then handle the gear. This protects both you and your car’s transmission components. Operating this way avoids excessive strain on the transmission and extends gear life. Try it a few times in parking lots or on the roadside, and it will soon become second nature—no need to worry about complicated steps.
I believe the key to parking sequence lies in balancing safety and convenience. As a frequent driver, I've developed muscle memory to engage the handbrake before shifting into gear, as it effectively prevents the car from rolling. If you forget the handbrake and only shift into neutral, the vehicle's weight rests on the transmission, which can lead to component wear over time. Extra caution is needed with manual transmissions: when parking on slopes, turn the steering wheel toward the curb to create additional resistance. Developing this small habit during daily urban driving minimizes risks. There's no need to rush at the expense of safety—taking it step by step is more reliable.
The most reliable way when parking is to engage the handbrake first. The reason is simple: with the wheels locked by the brake, shifting to neutral won't cause the car to move. Beginners might find it awkward at first, but they'll get the hang of it after a few tries. I've seen cases where people forgot to engage the handbrake after shifting to neutral, leading to dangerous rollaways. Especially in automatic transmission cars, engaging the handbrake before shifting to 'P' provides double security for peace of mind. Make it a habit—no extra tools needed, just ensure the parking spot is level.
