What happens if you don't engage the handbrake when parking an automatic car?
2 Answers
Not engaging the handbrake when parking an automatic car can cause damage to the transmission and affect subsequent driving and gear shifting. For automatic transmission vehicles parked on uneven surfaces, the owner should first engage the handbrake before shifting to P (Park) mode to protect the transmission. An automatic transmission is a drivetrain component that can automatically shift gears and operate based on the vehicle's speed and engine RPM. There are four common types of automatic transmissions in cars: hydraulic automatic transmission, continuously variable transmission (CVT), automated manual transmission (AMT), and dual-clutch transmission (DCT). The core function of an automatic transmission is to enable automatic gear shifting, which means the driver only needs to operate the accelerator pedal according to driving needs, and the transmission will automatically shift gears based on engine load.
When I drive an automatic transmission car, if I park without engaging the handbrake, the car is prone to rolling or sliding. Last time, I temporarily parked on a small slope to buy coffee and forgot to pull the handbrake. When I returned, I found the car had slid backward several meters, nearly hitting a pedestrian behind me, which gave me a cold sweat. In such situations, it not only increases the risk of minor accidents but may also cause scratches to other vehicles or obstacles, leading to troublesome compensation issues. Over time, this can also put extra stress on the transmission's P (Park) position, as the P position only relies on an internal hook to lock the wheels. If the slope is steep or the road is slippery, the hook can wear out or even get damaged, making gear shifts feel less smooth. Moreover, if the engine is started while the car is sliding, it may cause instant overload to the engine or drivetrain. So now I’ve developed the habit of always engaging the handbrake when parking, especially on slopes or uneven roads. For added safety, I even keep a reminder note in the car. This small detail in daily driving should not be overlooked—it protects both yourself and others, reducing the risk of accidents.
