Will an automatic car roll away if parked in P gear without engaging the handbrake?
2 Answers
An automatic car will not roll away when parked in P gear without engaging the handbrake. Below is relevant information about the P gear: 1. Principle: It mechanically locks the output shaft of the transmission to secure the vehicle and prevent movement. 2. Vehicle parking sequence: After the car comes to a complete stop on a level surface, shift the gear from D to P, then engage the handbrake to complete parking before turning off the engine. 3. Safe parking: If you only apply the brakes without shifting to P gear, the vehicle may lose its necessary braking capability. The safest and most secure practice is to shift into P gear only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop.
When I first started driving, I often got lazy and didn't pull the handbrake, thinking just putting it in P gear was enough. Later, I parked on a small slope at home and found the car had slid half a meter the next day, which scared me. Actually, the P gear in an automatic transmission relies on a small pawl inside the transmission to lock a wheel and keep the car stationary. On flat ground, it's fine, but on a slope, gravity puts all the pressure on the pawl, which can wear out over time and potentially fail, leading to the car rolling away. This risk is even greater with older cars or on slippery surfaces. Now, I always use both the handbrake and P gear for double security. It extends the transmission's lifespan and gives me peace of mind. By the way, it's also important to check the brake system during regular maintenance—simple actions can save a lot of money.
