When parking, should you engage the handbrake first or shift to neutral first?
2 Answers
When parking, you should engage the handbrake first and then shift to neutral. The correct method for engaging 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 about 70% of its full range, as pulling it all the way to the maximum point will shorten the lifespan of the handbrake cable. The function of the handbrake is to provide braking when parking on flat ground or slopes, preventing the vehicle from moving unintentionally when unattended and avoiding traffic accidents. The dangers of forgetting to engage the handbrake while driving include: 1. The brake pump cannot provide sufficient braking force, potentially stalling the engine; 2. Accelerated wear of the brake disc and hardening of the brake pads due to friction heat; 3. Stretching of the handbrake cable; 4. Leakage of brake fluid from the brake caliper, leading to brake failure.
When I first learned to drive, I often struggled with the parking sequence. The instructor repeatedly taught me to first press the brake to stop the car completely, then quickly shift to neutral to relieve transmission pressure, and finally pull the handbrake to secure the wheels. The reason is that pulling the handbrake without shifting to neutral first would cause the transmission to drag the car, increasing wear or even causing damage. Once, while parking on a steep slope, I neglected to shift to neutral and only pulled the handbrake, resulting in the car slightly sliding due to the strain on the handbrake. Later, I developed a habit: on flat ground, simply stopping, shifting to neutral, and applying the handbrake; on slopes, pulling the handbrake first, then shifting to a low gear or placing a rock for double safety. For automatic transmission cars, the procedure is similar—stop completely, shift to N for a second, then to P and engage the electronic parking brake. Mastering this sequence early on is crucial for beginners, as it ensures the car’s durability and enhances driving safety, eliminating unnecessary worries.
