What are the consequences of not engaging the handbrake when the car is in P gear?
2 Answers
Over time, it can cause some harm to the car. Here is more information about the consequences of not engaging the handbrake when the car is in P gear: P gear: Also known as the parking gear, when the vehicle is in P gear, the parking lock mechanism locks the transmission output shaft, meaning the gears inside the transmission cannot rotate. Harm: When parking using P gear, the gearshift mechanism directly hooks onto the transmission gears, causing the transmission to stop output, effectively locking the transmission's drive wheels. Without drive, the car naturally comes to a stop. However, if parked for a long time, most of the parking resistance comes from the transmission, which can shorten the lifespan of the transmission lock mechanism over time. This is especially true when parked on a slope, where the harm to the transmission is even greater. Additionally, when starting the car again from a standstill at low speeds, the car may have difficulty starting, and you might even hear some noise. These phenomena indicate that the car's transmission is gradually being damaged.
I had been driving for over 20 years and used to only engage the P gear without pulling the handbrake. Once, while parking on a slope in my neighborhood, the car slid half a meter and hit my neighbor's flower pot. Fortunately, no one was injured. The P gear locks the transmission, but it relies on a small hook to hold the car in place. If the car moves on a slope, it can damage that hook, and transmission repairs can cost thousands of dollars. On flat roads, it might be manageable, but slopes pose a greater risk. Now, I've made it a habit to always pull the handbrake first before shifting into P gear—double protection to avoid headaches. This lesson reminded me that a car isn't static; wind or vibrations can make the wheels roll. Safety first is always the right approach. Now, I teach my family to do the same to prevent accidents.
