Should You Shift to P or Pull the Handbrake First When Parking?

[Arianna]

When parking, you should first pull the handbrake and then shift to P gear. The car should be in a completely stopped state before applying the handbrake and then shifting to P gear. Otherwise, the mechanical parts of the car's transmission may experience abnormal wear, leading to potential malfunctions. The P gear in a car locks the transmission, while the handbrake locks the wheels. After the car engine is started, the braking system can function normally, with small cars typically using an oil pump-assisted system. With the continuous development of the automotive industry, electronic handbrakes are gradually replacing foot brakes. Electronic handbrakes are operated via electronic buttons. Both are important components of the car's braking system, and the braking effectiveness is determined by the brake pads, which generally need to be replaced every 30,000 kilometers to ensure optimal braking performance.

[VanAaliyah]

I always make it a habit to engage the parking brake before shifting into P when parking. This helps better protect the car's transmission. If you shift directly into P, especially in slightly inclined parking lots, the entire weight of the vehicle may rest on the transmission gears, leading to premature wear or failure over time. Engaging the parking brake first ensures the wheels are locked by the braking system, distributing the pressure and allowing the transmission to park with ease. Even on flat surfaces, I stick to this sequence—it makes the operation smoother once it becomes a habit and extends the car's lifespan. On steep slopes, extra caution is needed: I shift into neutral first, wait until the parking brake is firmly engaged and stable, release the foot brake to confirm the car doesn't roll, and then shift into P. This small habit has saved me a lot of hassle, avoiding potential safety risks and future repair costs. In short, paying attention to these details in daily driving brings significant benefits.

[BradleyLee]

From a maintenance perspective, I definitely engage the parking brake before shifting to P gear. The reason is that the P gear primarily locks the transmission gears but isn't the optimal way to bear the vehicle's weight; the parking brake system is specifically designed to handle braking. Parking directly in P gear, especially on slopes, may subject the transmission gears to additional stress, which can lead to damage over time. In practice, I've found that the correct sequence is: after the car comes to a complete stop, engage the parking brake, release the foot brake to check if it's secured, and finally shift to P gear and turn off the engine. This reduces the burden on the transmission and prevents premature wear. Developing this habit not only protects car components but also prevents unexpected rolling issues. Safety is also crucial; in case of a foot brake failure, the parking brake serves as a more reliable backup. A few simple steps can enhance driving peace of mind.

[StBella]

I prefer engaging the handbrake first when parking: simple and practical. Come to a complete stop by pressing the brake pedal, pull up the handbrake lever in one smooth motion, then shift to P and turn off the engine. On flat roads, it might not make much difference, but on slight inclines, this method keeps the car more stable. For example, in my residential parking spot which has a slight slope, I once tried just shifting to P – the car shifted slightly, which was unsettling. Engaging the handbrake shares the load, giving peace of mind. It’s a natural action that takes no extra time. Maintaining relaxed habits in daily driving is just fine.