Should You Shift to P Gear or Pull the Handbrake First When Parking?
3 Answers
When parking, you should shift to P gear first and then pull the handbrake. The correct method for pulling the handbrake is: 1. Press the handbrake button before pulling it; 2. Apply gentle force when pulling the handbrake; 3. Pull the handbrake to about 70% of its capacity, as pulling it to the highest point will shorten the lifespan of the handbrake cable. The function of the handbrake is to provide braking when parking on flat or sloped surfaces, preventing the vehicle from moving unintentionally and avoiding traffic accidents. The dangers of forgetting to pull the handbrake include: 1. The brake pump cannot provide sufficient braking force, potentially stalling the engine; 2. Accelerated wear of the brake disc and hardening of the brake pads due to friction heat; 3. Stretching of the handbrake cable; 4. Potential leakage of brake fluid from the brake caliper, leading to brake failure.
When parking, I always engage the parking brake before shifting to P gear, which has become muscle memory for me. The reason is simple, especially when parking on slopes. If you shift to P gear first, the transmission's locking mechanism has to bear the entire weight of the vehicle, which over time may cause component wear or even damage. In case the car isn't completely stopped, shifting to P gear first increases internal pressure in the transmission, and repairs can be costly. I learned this trick at driving school, where the instructor always emphasized safety first. On flat city roads, occasionally being lazy and shifting to P gear first isn't a big deal, but developing good habits can extend your vehicle's lifespan. After parking, don't forget to check if the wheels are aligned with the ground to prevent rolling accidents. These small details can save you a lot of trouble and money.
Having driven for over 20 years, I've seen too many cases where improper parking sequences led to transmission failures. My advice is always to engage the parking brake before shifting to P gear. Here's why: the P gear functions as a mechanical lock, while applying the parking brake first allows the braking system to secure the vehicle, preventing uneven stress on the transmission. This is especially crucial for new cars or SUVs due to their heavier weight, as it prevents accidental sliding that could damage the gears. I once witnessed a novice driver at a highway service area shift to P gear without engaging the parking brake, resulting in slight vehicle movement that harmed the driveshaft. Adopting the correct sequence makes vehicle maintenance easier and reduces trips to the repair shop. Whenever possible, park on level ground. On steep slopes, take extra precautions like using wheel chocks.
