Which Comes First: Handbrake or Gear Shift?
5 Answers
Generally, either applying the handbrake first or shifting gears first is acceptable. Below is a detailed explanation: 1. The principle of applying the handbrake in P or N gear is similar: In P gear mode, the car's transmission and engine are completely disconnected, and the transmission's pawl and ratchet engage with each other, using this engagement force to provide the vehicle's parking braking power, preventing the car from moving. 2. Shifting to P gear first does not affect the transmission: For example, automakers like Peugeot state in their vehicle manuals that after the vehicle stops, the gear lever can be shifted to either P or N gear. 3. For some models, shifting directly to P gear when parking is more convenient: Generally, the auto-hold function uses ESP braking to keep the car stationary, so releasing the brake won't cause the car to roll.
The order of parking is quite important, I must say it's safer to engage the handbrake first before shifting gears. I remember once when I was driving a manual car and stopped on a slope, I shifted into first gear first, but the car rolled slightly before I could engage the handbrake, almost hitting a tree root behind me. Since then, I've changed my habit: after stopping, I engage the handbrake first to secure the car, then shift into neutral or the opposite gear just in case. For automatic cars, I also stick to this routine: after braking to a complete stop, I immediately engage the handbrake to lock the wheels with the braking system, then shift into P to reduce stress on the transmission. This method prevents the car from moving unexpectedly on any uneven surface, especially during rainy days or when children are around. In fact, many experienced drivers also recommend this approach, saying it protects the vehicle and prolongs its lifespan, avoiding minor incidents turning into major troubles. Developing this habit in daily life puts safety first—after all, repairing a damaged car is both costly and time-consuming.
As a beginner driver, my instructor repeatedly emphasized: always engage the handbrake first before shifting gears when parking. At first, I foolishly shifted to P gear first, and the car almost slid away on a steep slope, which scared me to death. Fortunately, the instructor corrected me in time. Now, every time I park, I remember the first step is to firmly engage the handbrake and ensure the car doesn’t move, and the second step is to shift to the appropriate gear (neutral for manual transmission or P gear for automatic) to maintain stability. On flat ground, simply shift to neutral for manual transmission, and don’t rush to shift to P gear for automatic. The benefit of this practice is reducing the risk of sudden vehicle movement, especially in urban traffic or mall parking lots where small slopes are common. Not following the correct sequence could lead to accidents harming people or damaging the car. After developing this good habit, I find driving more confident and reassuring, with fewer accidents and more safety.
Over the years of driving, I've learned that the sequence of applying the handbrake and shifting gears depends on the vehicle type and situation. For manual transmission cars, it's best to first engage the handbrake to lock the wheels when parking, then shift into an appropriate gear for the slope—such as first gear uphill or reverse gear downhill—to prevent slipping. For automatic transmission cars, apply the handbrake before shifting into Park (P) to reduce strain on the transmission and minimize wear. The key point is ensuring the vehicle remains stationary to avoid dangerous rolling, regardless of the car type. Consistently following this method not only protects the car and extends its lifespan but also saves money by avoiding unnecessary repairs.
For daily driving, I keep it simple: after parking, I first engage the handbrake to secure the car, then adjust the gear into park mode. This habit is quite worry-free, especially when rushing to drop off kids at school or during shopping trips—I never forget the sequence. While the order might not matter much on flat ground, it shows its advantage on slopes or rainy days, prioritizing safety and avoiding minor collisions that could damage side mirrors. Once this becomes second nature, I feel much more at ease driving any car.
