What are the damages of engaging the P gear without pulling the handbrake?
2 Answers
Engaging the P gear without pulling the handbrake normally does not cause damage, but it is not conducive to driving safety. In the event of a rear-end collision, it can cause severe damage to the transmission. The function of the handbrake is to brake when parking on flat or sloped surfaces, preventing the vehicle from sliding automatically when unattended and avoiding traffic accidents. The correct method to pull the handbrake is: 1. Press the handbrake button before pulling it; 2. Apply gentle force when pulling the handbrake; 3. Pull the handbrake up to 70% of its capacity, as pulling it to the highest point will shorten the lifespan of the handbrake cable. The hazards 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 disc and hardening of the brake pads due to friction heat; 3. Elongation of the handbrake cable; 4. Leakage of brake caliper fluid, leading to brake failure.
I've run a repair shop for many years and seen many similar cases. Directly shifting to P without engaging the handbrake may seem convenient but actually harms the car. The P gear has an internal parking lock mechanism, like a small hook that latches onto the gear. If it bears the full weight of the vehicle, especially on steep slopes, the hook may deform or break. Over time, the transmission gets damaged, with repairs costing anywhere from a few hundred for parts replacement to over a thousand for major overhauls. I've seen owners neglect this habit, resulting in strange noises when starting and difficulty shifting gears. The correct parking procedure is to brake to a stop, engage the handbrake, then shift to P and turn off the engine, letting the handbrake share the load and reduce impact. This habit can extend the car's lifespan and avoid costly repairs, especially for older vehicles or those frequently parked on slopes, where mechanical balance needs extra attention. Regular maintenance checks on transmission fluid can also help detect potential issues early.
