Should You Turn Off the Engine First or Pull the Handbrake First?
2 Answers
You should pull the handbrake first, shift to neutral, and then turn off the engine. When parking at a suitable distance by the roadside, press the clutch and brake, shift to neutral, pull the handbrake, and only release the clutch and brake before turning off the engine. The handbrake serves to brake when parking on flat ground or slopes, preventing the vehicle from moving automatically when unattended and avoiding traffic accidents. The dangers of forgetting to pull the handbrake while driving include: 1. The brake pump cannot provide sufficient braking force, causing the engine to stall; 2. Accelerated wear of the brake discs and hardening of the brake pads due to friction heat; 3. Stretching of the handbrake cable; 4. Leakage of brake cylinder oil, leading to brake failure.
As a veteran driver with over a decade of experience, I firmly insist on pulling the handbrake before turning off the engine when parking. This ensures the vehicle is completely stationary and prevents any accidental movement. Especially on slopes, if you turn off the engine before pulling the handbrake, the loss of power assistance makes it harder to engage the handbrake properly, increasing the risk of rolling. I once parked on a slope without paying attention to the sequence, and the car moved slightly, nearly hitting the curb. For automatic transmission vehicles, it's recommended to pull the handbrake, shift to P, and then turn off the engine. Doing it the other way around by turning off the engine directly can put significant stress on the transmission. Consistently maintaining this habit not only enhances safety but also reduces vehicle wear. New drivers might find it awkward at first, but with a few practices, it becomes second nature—preventing potential hazards before they occur.
