Should You Still Apply the Handbrake When Shifting to P in an Automatic Transmission?

[JudahRose]

Automatic transmission vehicles should still apply the handbrake when shifting to P, otherwise it may cause damage to the locking mechanism of the P gear. All automatic transmission cars are equipped with a P gear, which is the parking gear used when stopping and turning off the engine. If you do not shift into P before stopping and turning off the engine, the car cannot be turned off normally. After shifting into P, the locking mechanism inside the automatic transmission will lock the gears of the transmission, which is equivalent to indirectly locking the wheels. Even if the handbrake is not applied, the car will not move. However, it is still necessary to firmly apply the handbrake after shifting into P, otherwise it may cause excessive force on the P gear locking mechanism, which will reduce the service life of the locking mechanism.

[DeRafael]

If you're driving an automatic car, I still pull the handbrake after shifting to P (Park), as it has become a habit. The P gear mainly relies on the transmission's gear to lock the wheels and prevent rolling, but when parking on a slope, relying solely on P gear might not be stable enough. A slight movement of the car can strain the transmission, potentially causing damage over time. Parking on flat ground isn't as risky, but for safety, using the handbrake as a double insurance is more reassuring, especially if the car is parked for a long time and someone accidentally bumps into it. I've heard some friends skip the handbrake out of laziness, leading to the car rolling away or expensive transmission repairs. So, in summary, using both P gear and the handbrake is the most worry-free approach, and forming this habit isn't a hassle.

[SaraFitz]

Even after shifting to P (Park), I often engage the parking brake. It's not mandatory, but it has its benefits. The P gear is designed to lock the transmission gears and prevent the wheels from moving, but when parked on a slope, the vehicle's weight pressing on the gears can cause wear or even disengagement. Engaging the parking brake shares the load, protecting the transmission. For instance, when I park on steep slopes in my neighborhood, I always do both—last time, I nearly had an accident when the car slid because I forgot to pull the brake. On flat ground, for short stops like grabbing a bottle of water for a few minutes, you might skip it, but for extended parking or leaving the car unattended, I still engage it. It prevents unexpected movements from wind or accidental bumps. In short, it's a small action for big safety.

[SanAaliyah]

After shifting into P, I'd recommend pulling the handbrake as an extra layer of protection. While P gear prevents rolling, it may not be completely secure on slopes or uneven ground. Using the handbrake provides more stability and reduces transmission wear. You might skip it for brief stops like at traffic lights, but always engage it when parking and exiting the vehicle. Making this a habit is ideal.