Should You Shift to Park or Engage the Handbrake First When Parking?
2 Answers
When parking, you should engage the handbrake first and then shift to Park (P). This is because the handbrake is more secure than the P gear. Here’s a detailed explanation: 1. In a car's transmission, both P (Park) and N (Neutral) gears disconnect the power transfer between the input and output shafts. However, the P gear differs from the N gear in that it has an additional pawl-and-gear mechanism at the end of the output shaft. 2. The pawl is fixed to the transmission housing, while the gear is fixed to the end of the output shaft. When the transmission is shifted into P, the pawl presses down and engages with the gear, achieving a locking effect. At this point, both wheels cannot rotate in the same direction simultaneously, preventing the vehicle from moving forward or backward. 3. The handbrake stabilizes the vehicle by clamping the rear brake discs, preventing the rear wheels from rotating. A mechanical cable handbrake pulls the brake caliper via a steel cable to clamp the brake disc, while an electronic parking brake uses a servo motor on the caliper to achieve the same effect. 4. The P gear locks the front wheels, and the handbrake locks the rear wheels, ensuring the vehicle cannot move. However, if you attempt to push the car while only in P, you may notice slight movement due to the relatively large engagement gap between the pawl and gear. Additionally, the P gear's pawl-and-gear mechanism has a self-protection feature—if the force exceeds a certain threshold, the pawl will disengage to avoid damaging the transmission. Therefore, the P gear is not as reliable as the handbrake.
As a seasoned driver with thirty years of experience, I always engage the handbrake first before shifting into park, whether on flat ground or a slope. This ensures the car comes to a stable stop and reduces stress on the transmission. Especially on steep mountain roads, if you shift into park before applying the handbrake, the car might slightly move, causing wear on the transmission's internal mechanisms. Engaging the handbrake first prevents this issue. I learned this habit from my driving instructor, who emphasized that the handbrake is the primary braking device, while shifting into park is just supplementary. Protecting the lifespan of mechanical components is crucial. None of the cars I've driven have had major issues, likely because I paid attention to these details. Being mindful of these small steps while driving can save a lot on repair costs.
