Will the car roll away if parked in P gear without engaging the handbrake?
2 Answers
Parking in P gear without engaging the handbrake will not cause the car to roll away. Parking precautions are as follows: 1. Basic principle of parking: When parking, consider not only your own convenience for entering and exiting but also others', and more importantly, potential unexpected situations. 2. Waiting at signals: For waiting times exceeding one minute, it is advisable to turn off the engine to save fuel and be environmentally friendly. For waits under one minute, you may keep the engine running, shift to neutral, and engage the handbrake, but never leave the car in gear. 3. Maintain distance when pausing on the road: During traffic jams or while waiting at traffic lights, always leave enough space to maneuver out in case the car ahead breaks down, preventing you from being stuck in the middle.
To be honest, as a veteran driver with twenty years of experience, I've seen quite a few cases of cars rolling away when only the P gear was engaged without applying the handbrake, especially on slopes. The P gear locks the transmission output shaft, but it relies on a mechanical latch for fixation. If the slope is too steep or the ground is slippery, it may not withstand the pull of gravity and slowly slide away. I once witnessed a car roll half a meter after parking on a small hill, nearly hitting the guardrail. What's worse, repeatedly doing this can wear out internal transmission components, increasing repair costs. To be safe, I've developed a habit: when parking, first engage the P gear, then promptly pull the handbrake tight—double protection is the safest. If parked on a slope, you can also turn the wheels toward the curb as an extra precaution. Developing these small habits can prevent accidents and extend the car's lifespan.
