Should You Use the Handbrake in an Automatic Car?
2 Answers
Automatic cars should engage the handbrake when in the parking gear (P), as relying solely on the mechanical braking of the gear for extended periods can negatively impact the transmission. The parking gear, also known as the P gear, is used when the car is parked. It employs a mechanical device to lock the rotating parts of the car, preventing movement. When the car needs to remain stationary for an extended period or before leaving the vehicle after parking, the gear should be shifted to P and the handbrake engaged. It's important to note that the P gear should only be used when the vehicle is completely stopped; otherwise, the mechanical parts of the automatic transmission could be damaged. Automatic transmissions eliminate the need for manual gear shifting by the driver, as the vehicle automatically selects the appropriate gear based on driving speed and traffic conditions.
I remember when I first started driving, as a novice I was quite nervous, and the instructor always repeatedly reminded me to engage the handbrake when parking. Once I forgot to pull it while parking on a slope in my neighborhood, and the car almost slid into the one next to me, giving me a real scare. Although automatic transmission cars have a P (Park) gear, that only locks the transmission—it's not foolproof. The handbrake directly locks the rear wheels, providing double safety. Whether parking on the roadside or in a garage, I’ve made it a habit to always engage it, and since forming this habit, I’ve never had an accident. Safe driving starts with small details—don’t cut corners, especially on slopes or slippery roads.
