Will the car roll away if P gear is engaged without pulling the handbrake?
3 Answers
Engaging P gear without pulling the handbrake can cause the car to roll away. Below is relevant information about car driving: Introduction to car driving: Car driving has become one of the essential skills for modern individuals. To master car driving (driving-a-motor-vehicle) techniques, one must first meet the required age and physical conditions. Additionally, training and examinations on road traffic safety laws and regulations, basic automotive mechanical knowledge, and safe driving practices are necessary. After passing these exams, driving skill training and testing follow. Upon passing all examinations, one can obtain a driver's license for small cars or large/medium trucks. Age restrictions for car driving: Applicants for small cars, small automatic transmission vehicles, or light motorcycles must be at least 18 years old and under 70 years old.
When I first started driving, I thought putting the car in P (Park) mode was enough. But once, I parked on a slope outside a supermarket without engaging the handbrake, and when I returned from shopping, I found my car had rolled into the middle of the road, nearly causing a major accident. Later, a mechanic explained that the P mode relies on a small hook in the transmission to lock the gears, but on a slope, the weight of the car is too much, and the hook can slip or break—especially when the road is slippery on rainy days. Now, no matter where I park, I always use the handbrake, whether it's electronic or manual. It's not a hassle and adds an extra layer of safety to prevent accidents while also extending the transmission's lifespan, saving me unnecessary repair costs. Safety details can't be overlooked, and learning this lesson was worth it.
The P (Park) position in an automatic transmission locks the drivetrain to prevent movement, but it's not perfectly reliable. If parked on a slope or uneven ground, the parking pawl may fail under pressure, causing the car to slowly slide and damage components. I often use the handbrake as a backup—it brakes the wheels independently of the transmission, creating a simple dual-safety measure. Developing this habit protects the car's health, reduces rollaway risks, and avoids collisions or injuries. Especially on older cars or uphill slopes, extra caution is crucial—don’t invite disaster by cutting corners. A one-second action buys safety, ensuring worry-free driving.
