Should You Shift to Neutral or Engage the Handbrake First When Parking?

[Gary]

For manual transmission vehicles, engage the handbrake first and then shift to neutral when parking. For automatic transmission vehicles, it is generally recommended to engage the handbrake first and then shift to Park (P) to minimize damage to the vehicle and extend its lifespan. Important Notes: Prolonged use of the handbrake can cause the steel cable to undergo plastic deformation. Since this deformation is irreversible, long-term use can reduce its effectiveness and increase the handbrake's travel distance. The handbrake system also includes a return spring. When the handbrake is engaged, the spring stretches; when released, it returns to its original length. Over time, the spring may also deform. Parking Procedure: After the vehicle comes to a complete stop, engage the handbrake, shift to neutral, release the clutch, then release the brake and turn off the turn signal, shut off the engine, press the clutch, and shift into first gear. Engaging the handbrake secures the vehicle. Shifting to neutral ensures the vehicle won't move or stall when the engine is running. Releasing the clutch first prevents the vehicle from moving if the clutch is released without shifting to neutral, especially when the handbrake isn't engaged and the brake pedal isn't pressed. Shifting into first gear after turning off the engine prevents the vehicle from moving in case the handbrake cable fails or the slope is too steep, as the first gear's teeth will lock the vehicle in place.

[DeMatthew]

When parking, I handle it differently based on the type of vehicle I'm driving. As a manual transmission owner, I always shift to neutral first and then engage the handbrake. This sequence is particularly crucial on slopes because if the car is parked on an incline, shifting to neutral before applying the handbrake might cause sliding and damage the transmission. On flat ground, while it's more flexible, developing good habits enhances safety. The situation is different for automatic transmission cars, which have a P (Park) function. Many experienced drivers recommend applying the handbrake first before shifting to P to reduce stress on the transmission system. After parking, I always double-check that the handbrake is firmly engaged to prevent accidental rolling or component wear. I've adhered to this practice since the beginning of my driving journey, significantly minimizing risks and ensuring long-term vehicle stability.

[Madison]

During maintenance work, I've encountered numerous failures caused by incorrect parking sequences. For manual transmission vehicles, it's best to shift into neutral first and then engage the handbrake, which protects the clutch system from excessive load. Conversely, for automatic transmission vehicles, it's recommended to apply the handbrake before shifting into P gear to prevent damage to the parking lock mechanism. When parking on slopes, neglecting the proper sequence may cause vehicle slippage, creating safety hazards. In daily driving, I've developed the habit of securing the vehicle's position before handling the gear shift, especially during urban traffic congestion - this saves time and reduces accident rates. Cultivating correct parking habits extends vehicle lifespan, reduces maintenance costs, and enhances overall driving confidence.

[JocelynRose]

As a novice driver, I often mixed up the parking steps when I first started learning to drive. My instructor taught me that for manual transmission cars, you should first shift to neutral and then engage the handbrake, while for automatic transmission cars, it's much simpler—just shift to P and pull the handbrake. This sequence prevents the vehicle from moving when unstable and reduces the risk of damaging the transmission. The operation is more flexible on flat ground, but on slopes, you must strictly follow the procedure. Through practice, I found that the correct sequence makes starting smoother and avoids the rolling noise that neighbors complained about. Now, I have developed good habits, making parking more efficient and safer.