Will the car roll away if I engage the P gear without pulling the handbrake?
2 Answers
Engaging the P gear without pulling the handbrake will not cause the car to roll away. However, it is better to pull the handbrake for long-term parking. Below are some relevant details about the P gear: 1. Principle: It mechanically locks the output shaft of the transmission to secure the car and prevent it from moving. 2. Vehicle parking sequence: After the car comes to a complete stop on a level surface, shift the gear from D to P, then pull the handbrake to complete the parking process before turning off the engine. 3. Safe parking: If you only apply the brakes without engaging the P gear, the vehicle may lose its intended braking capability. The safest and most secure method is to engage the P gear only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop.
I remember once parking on a hillside back in my hometown, I only engaged the P gear without pulling the handbrake, thinking the car wouldn't move. But it ended up rolling half a meter and almost hit my neighbor's car! Since then, I've learned my lesson. The P gear relies on a small lock inside the transmission to secure the wheels, which might work fine on flat roads, but on slopes, the pressure is too much, and the lock might fail to hold, causing the car to slide. Especially on rainy or snowy days when the ground is slippery, accidents are more likely to happen. It's good to develop a habit—always pull the handbrake first before shifting to P gear, double insurance for peace of mind. Safety comes first, don't skimp on that little effort. Regularly check your vehicle's condition, like the handbrake cable and whether the transmission is aging. These small details can help avoid major repairs.
