Should You Shift to Neutral or Engage the Handbrake First When Parking a Manual Transmission Car?
2 Answers
When parking a manual transmission car, you should engage the handbrake first and then shift to neutral. The reasons are as follows: 1. Safety: Developing the habit of engaging the handbrake before parking increases safety. The handbrake works by clamping the rear brake discs, preventing the rear wheels from turning and stopping the car from moving due to external forces. 2. Stability: After engaging the handbrake, the car is secured, and shifting to neutral ensures the car won't move or stall when the engine is started. 3. Scenario: If you're on a slope and shift to neutral without engaging the handbrake first, forgetting to press the brake pedal could result in the car rolling away.
As a driver with twenty years of experience driving manual transmissions, I always follow the procedure of shifting into neutral before applying the handbrake when parking. After coming to a complete stop, press the brake pedal, shift into neutral to disengage the transmission from load, which helps reduce clutch wear and prolong gear life. Then, firmly engage the handbrake to prevent the vehicle from rolling, especially crucial on slopes. This habit was formed after a lesson from an accident: once, I only applied the handbrake without shifting into neutral, and overheated brake pads caused the car to roll, nearly hitting a wall. Standard operating procedures not only ensure safety but also save worry and effort. Finally, remember to turn off the engine if parking for an extended period to avoid draining the battery. Regular maintenance of the braking system is also crucial—don’t overlook this small detail.
