Should You Shift to P Gear or Pull the Handbrake First When Parking an Automatic Transmission Car?

[BriannaLee]

When parking an automatic transmission car, you should first pull the handbrake to achieve the braking effect of the braking system, and then shift to P gear to lock the transmission shaft, which is safer. The correct method for parking an automatic transmission car is: 1. Step on the brake to slow down and stop; 2. After coming to a complete stop, shift to N gear; 3. Tighten the handbrake; 4. Release the foot brake and confirm the vehicle is stationary; 5. Step on the foot brake again and shift to P gear; 6. Turn off the engine. The correct method for starting an automatic transmission car is: 1. Connect the power and then start the car; 2. After ignition, step on the brake, shift to D gear, release the handbrake, and start by slightly pressing the accelerator; 3. After starting, accelerate appropriately according to road conditions.

[JessicaFitz]

When parking, I always make it a habit to engage the parking brake firmly before shifting into P gear. The reason is simple: to protect the transmission. If you park on a slope or uneven surface, the car will have a backward force. If you shift directly into P gear, all the weight presses onto the transmission gears, which can cause damage over time. I learned this the hard way—I used to shift into P gear carelessly, and it resulted in strange noises from the transmission, costing me a lot in repairs. So now, I follow this routine: come to a complete stop with the foot brake, engage the parking brake, release the foot brake to let the car settle, and only then shift into P gear and turn off the engine. This not only extends the transmission's lifespan but also enhances safety by preventing the car from rolling. Especially in urban parking lots with steep spaces, one wrong move can lead to trouble—never cut corners. It’s also important to regularly check the tightness of the parking brake; don’t overlook these details.

[MacAthena]

When parking, should you engage the handbrake first or shift to P? I recommend getting the sequence right: always engage the handbrake first. Why? There's a parking pawl inside the transmission. If you shift directly to P, the vehicle's weight rests entirely on it, causing extra wear and increasing repair costs over time. Some owners overlook this step, leading to transmission noises or sticking issues. The best parking procedure is: come to a complete stop with the foot brake, engage the handbrake (manual or electronic), wait until the vehicle is fully stationary, then shift to P. This reduces strain on the transmission and prevents gear damage. Electronic handbrake models handle some steps automatically, but manual transmissions require extra attention. On slopes, turning the wheels toward the curb helps prevent rolling. Developing good habits saves money and hassle—mention these points during maintenance, and mechanics will approve.

[ChloeLynn]

When learning automatic transmission, I was particularly confused about the parking sequence. The instructor taught me to engage the handbrake first before shifting to P, otherwise the transmission could be damaged. Parking should be done steadily: brake to a complete stop, don't immediately shift to P, pull up the handbrake to secure the car, release the brake to ensure the car doesn't move, and only then shift to P and turn off the engine. This helped me a lot. Before, when parking on a slope, I always felt the car was wobbling, but now I've learned the right way and feel much more at ease when driving. Beginners should practice a few more times to make it second nature—don't rush.