What is the difference between P gear and handbrake?

[AaronLynn]

The difference between P gear and handbrake is that when P gear is engaged, the transmission lock mechanism works, while when the handbrake is pulled during parking, the rear brakes work. Here is more information about gear shifting: 1. For long-term parking, you need to first engage P gear and then pull the handbrake, whether it is an electronic handbrake or a mechanical handbrake. 2. If you only engage P gear without pulling the handbrake when parking, parking the car on a slope will put a lot of pressure on the transmission's gear locking mechanism, which may seriously cause damage or oil leakage to the transmission, and there is a high probability of the car rolling away. On the other hand, parking with only the handbrake pulled without engaging P gear will leave the vehicle's transmission in a separated state, which also has a high chance of causing the car to roll away.

[MacRonan]

After years of driving, I've realized there's a big difference between the P gear and the handbrake. The P gear is a position in the car's transmission that locks the gears to prevent the vehicle from moving, suitable for brief stops on flat surfaces. However, the handbrake is a manually operated brake that tightens the rear brake pads directly, providing stronger parking security. When parking daily, I always engage the P gear first and then pull the handbrake, ensuring double safety. On slopes, relying solely on the P gear might lead to the car rolling because the transmission lock isn't strong enough; using the handbrake keeps the car firmly in place. I remember once when I didn't use the handbrake, the car slightly slid on a slope and almost hit the neighboring car. Now, no matter where I park, I've made it a habit to use both. In the long run, not using the handbrake often can increase wear on the P gear components. Safe driving starts with small details.

[MacMaya]

When I first started learning to drive, I was confused about the difference between the P gear and the handbrake. The P gear is a gear in automatic transmission cars; when engaged, the car basically doesn't move, but it mainly relies on the transmission locking the gears. As for the handbrake, it's like pulling a small lever inside the car, which directly applies braking force to the rear wheels. My instructor taught me that on flat ground, just engaging the P gear is enough, but if parked on a slope or steep ground, you must pull the handbrake, otherwise the car might slide and cause an accident. Usually, when I park at my doorstep, I habitually pull the handbrake, just in case I forget and the car rolls away. Actually, they work best together: the P gear is convenient and easy, while the handbrake is more secure and safe. I once had a friend who only engaged the P gear while parking on a slope, and the car rolled back and hit a wall, costing a lot in repairs. So for beginners, don't be lazy—use both every time you park.

[FranciscoLee]

I believe the purposes of the P gear and handbrake are fundamentally different. The P gear is the parking position in the transmission, functioning as an internal mechanical lock to prevent vehicle movement. The handbrake, on the other hand, is an external braking device that activates the rear wheel brakes. The key difference lies in the scenarios: on flat roads, the P gear alone is sufficient; on slopes or steep inclines, the handbrake must be engaged to prevent the car from sliding. I always use both, especially when driving in mountainous areas. For example, parking on a steep slope with only the P gear engaged might place excessive stress on the transmission, potentially causing damage; applying the handbrake helps distribute the load. This also prevents accidents and reduces risks. Simply put, the P gear is like a basic lock, while the handbrake is a powerful backup. Developing this habit ensures safety.