Will the car move if the parking brake is not engaged while in P gear?
2 Answers
No, the car will not move if the parking brake is not engaged while in P gear. Even if the parking brake is not applied, the car will not roll when in P gear. Usage of the car's P gear: The structure of the P gear involves a gear on the output shaft with a hook next to it. When shifted into P gear, the hook engages the gear, thereby locking the output shaft. In P gear, the drive wheels cannot rotate. Car electronic parking brake: The electronic parking brake is a technology that achieves parking braking through electronic control. Its working principle is the same as that of a mechanical parking brake, both achieving parking control through the friction generated between the brake disc and brake pads. The only difference is that the control method has changed from the previous mechanical parking brake lever to an electronic button.
I remember the first time I parked on a small slope, I only engaged the P gear and forgot to pull the handbrake. After a few minutes in the store, the car slid slightly and hit a small tree. Although there was no major damage, it gave me quite a scare. Since then, I've learned my lesson: the P gear relies on an internal mechanical lock in the transmission to prevent the wheels from turning, but on inclined or uneven ground, it might not withstand gravity, leading to slight movement—especially when the ground is slippery after rain or due to temperature changes. The handbrake is another system that directly brakes the rear wheels, providing double insurance for reliability. Now, wherever I park, I've developed the habit of pulling the handbrake before turning off the engine—not only to prevent slipping but also to avoid transmission wear, ensuring my beloved car has a longer lifespan.
