When parking, should you release the handbrake first or shift to neutral first?
3 Answers
When parking, release the handbrake first and then shift to neutral. Releasing the handbrake secures the car in place, while shifting to neutral prevents the car from moving or stalling when the engine is running. Neutral typically refers to the state where the vehicle's gear lever is not engaged in any forward or reverse gear, completely separating the transmission from the drive wheels. For manual transmissions, neutral is in the middle position, while for automatic transmissions, it is indicated by the 'N' mark. The handbrake, technically known as an auxiliary brake, operates differently from the main braking system. It uses a steel cable connected to the rear brake shoes to apply braking force. Prolonged use of the handbrake can cause the steel cable to undergo plastic deformation. Since this deformation is irreversible, long-term use can reduce its effectiveness and increase the handbrake's travel distance.
I've been driving for over a decade and have encountered several minor parking incidents involving vehicle rollaway, all related to handbrake sequence. When parking, I recommend shifting to neutral before releasing the handbrake. The specific steps are: after coming to a complete stop while maintaining brake pedal pressure, first shift to neutral (N position), then engage the handbrake - this ensures the vehicle is secured solely by the handbrake with more stable engine idling. Release the foot brake to check for any vehicle movement, and only turn off the engine after confirming the car remains stationary. For automatic transmissions, finally shift to P position. This sequence is particularly crucial for slope parking - last year on an incline, I momentarily neglected this, engaging the handbrake first but shifting to neutral slightly delayed, causing slight rolling that nearly scraped a wall. Since then I've developed the habit: whether on level ground or slopes, always neutral before handbrake. This prevents transmission damage from pressure in locked state and significantly improves safety. New drivers often overlook this during training - proper sequence instruction from coaches can prevent accidents.
As a long-time auto repair professional, I've seen too many issues caused by incorrect parking sequences. The proper way to park is to shift to neutral first, then engage the handbrake. This is because neutral position disconnects the engine from the drive wheels, allowing the handbrake to bear the full load and protecting transmission gears. For automatic transmissions, engaging parking gear (P) before the handbrake on slopes may cause gear jamming and accelerated wear. Manual transmissions similarly suffer clutch damage from incorrect sequences and potential rollaways. My own well-maintained vehicle benefits from this habit: stop completely with foot brake, shift to N, engage handbrake, release foot brake to test stability, then turn off engine. This has become second nature in daily driving, saving repair costs. On slopes, always ensure the vehicle is stationary before releasing the foot brake - minor adjustments prevent major hazards.
