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

[LaDaniela]

After shifting an automatic transmission car into P (Park) gear, it is necessary to engage the handbrake; otherwise, it may affect and damage the locking mechanism of the P gear. Most 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 gear before turning off the engine, the car will not shut down properly. Shifting into P gear: The locking mechanism inside the automatic transmission will lock the transmission gears, which indirectly locks the wheels. After shifting into P gear, even if you do not engage the handbrake, the car will still be unable to move. However, it is still important to firmly engage the handbrake after shifting into P gear, as failing to do so may cause excessive stress on the P gear locking mechanism, thereby reducing its service life. Automatic transmission cars also have an N (Neutral) gear. N gear is the neutral gear: After shifting into N gear, the connection between the transmission and the wheels is disconnected, meaning the engine's power cannot be transmitted to the wheels. Therefore, the car cannot be driven normally when in N gear. There is no locking mechanism to secure the transmission gears in N gear, so the car can move if the handbrake is not engaged. N gear can be used for short stops without turning off the engine, such as when waiting at a traffic light.

[EliasLynn]

Hello everyone, I've been driving automatic transmission cars for over twenty years and have developed the habit of always applying the handbrake after shifting to P when parking. Especially on slopes, the P gear actually relies on a pin inside the transmission to lock the gears. If you don't apply the handbrake, the entire weight of the car presses on it, causing significant wear, and over time, the transmission can fail. Even on flat ground, the car might accidentally slide. If it rains or snows and the car rolls away, hitting something could be even more dangerous. Developing this habit gives peace of mind. When starting, first press the brake, then release the handbrake and shift to D gear—smooth and risk-free. Safety first, don’t underestimate this step; it can really prevent major troubles.