When parking, should you engage the handbrake first or shift to neutral first?

[RicardoMarie]

Whether to shift to neutral first or engage the handbrake first when parking depends on the vehicle type. For manual transmission vehicles, you should engage the handbrake first, then shift to neutral; for automatic transmission vehicles, you should shift to neutral first, then engage the handbrake. If it is an automatic transmission car, you need to shift into P (Park) gear before turning off the engine; if it is a manual transmission car, you need to shift into N (Neutral) gear when parking and turning off the engine. In a car's transmission system, both P gear and N gear will cut off the power transmission between the input shaft and the output shaft. The difference is that P gear has an additional pawl gear mechanism at the end of the output shaft. The pawl is fixed to the transmission housing, while the gear is fixed to the end of the output shaft. When the transmission is shifted into P gear, the pawl presses down to engage with the gear, thereby achieving a locking effect. At this point, both wheels cannot rotate simultaneously in the same direction, and the vehicle naturally cannot move forward or backward.

[OMalachi]

During the parking process, I adhere to a fixed sequence to ensure safety. I always press the brake first to bring the car to a complete stop, then quickly shift into neutral to reduce transmission stress, followed by engaging the handbrake to prevent the vehicle from rolling. Finally, if it's an automatic transmission, I shift to P (Park) to lock the drive wheels. This sequence is particularly important because on slopes or slippery surfaces, engaging the handbrake before shifting to neutral can cause slight vehicle movement, posing a danger. Over years of driving, I've encountered incidents where reversing the order nearly led to a rear-end collision. Remember, each step is crucial for driving safety, and developing good habits can prevent accidents.

[Tessa]

As an ordinary car owner, my parking method is quite simple and casual: after the car comes to a stop, I usually shift to neutral and then pull the handbrake, which feels smooth and hassle-free. In daily scenarios like residential areas or supermarket parking lots, I don’t overthink it—as long as the car stays put, it’s fine. However, on slopes, I’m extra cautious because once, pulling the handbrake first made gear shifting difficult. I also recommend checking the rearview mirror before parking to ensure the surroundings are safe before turning off the engine—a practical detail. Overall, prioritizing neutral gear makes parking more effortless, fitting well with the pace of city life.

[VonAliyah]

From the perspective of vehicle protection, parking should prioritize the health of the transmission. My approach is to shift into neutral first and then engage the handbrake, which relieves tension in the drivetrain and prevents wear on impact components. If the sequence is reversed during parking—for example, engaging the handbrake before shifting into neutral in a manual transmission car—it may cause gear chatter and reduce lifespan. I often remind friends to pay attention to this detail, as I've seen many cases in routine maintenance where neglecting the sequence leads to increased repairs. Additionally, regularly checking the handbrake cable tension is crucial to prevent brake failure and avoid accidents.