Should You Use First Gear or Handbrake for Long-Term Parking?

[LeoLynn]

For long-term parking, it is generally recommended to leave the car in first gear. If parked on an uphill slope, the handbrake should be engaged to ensure the vehicle remains stationary. Relevant details about the handbrake are as follows: The handbrake, professionally referred to as an auxiliary brake, operates differently from the main braking system. It utilizes a steel cable connected to the rear brake shoes to apply braking force. Prolonged use of the handbrake can cause the steel cable to undergo plastic deformation, which is irreversible and reduces its effectiveness over time, increasing the handbrake's travel distance. Additionally, the handbrake system includes a return spring. When the handbrake is engaged, the spring stretches; when released, it returns to its original length. However, long-term use can also lead to deformation of the spring.