Will the car roll if parked in P gear without engaging the handbrake?

[DiAshley]

On relatively flat terrain, you can park in P gear without engaging the handbrake. However, on inclined surfaces, failing to engage the handbrake may cause the car to roll due to inertia. It is advisable to engage the handbrake to prevent excessive strain on the P gear locking mechanism, which could reduce its lifespan. P Gear: 'Parking' means 'to park.' It is the parking gear used when the vehicle is stationary. Upon reaching your destination or for long-term parking, shift the gear lever into this position. Note: Always ensure the vehicle is completely stopped before shifting into P gear. Engaging P gear before the vehicle has fully stopped can damage parts of the automatic transmission. When in P gear, the wheels are mechanically locked, preventing the vehicle from moving forward or backward. Therefore, always engage P gear when parking on a slope. Additionally, during brief stops (e.g., at traffic lights), avoid shifting into P gear to prevent severe transmission damage in case of a rear-end collision. Besides, automatic transmission cars also have other gear positions like R, N, S, M, L, and D, each representing different gear combinations that deliver varying power outputs. The car must 'shift gears' at different speeds to select the appropriate gear combination for power delivery. Below is a detailed explanation: R Gear: 'Reverse' means 'to go backward.' Whether manual or automatic, R is the reverse gear. Engaging R gear allows the car to move backward. This gear should only be engaged when the vehicle is stationary and the engine is idling. Never use R gear while the car is moving forward, and be particularly cautious with accelerator control when reversing. N Gear: 'Neutral' means 'disengaged,' also known as the neutral gear. At traffic lights, you can shift into this gear and press the brake pedal. For longer waits, engage the handbrake to rest your foot. Coasting in N gear downhill or at high speeds does not save fuel and may damage the transmission. S Gear: 'Sport' refers to the sport mode in cars. Engaging this gear delays gear shifts to provide more power, typically used for overtaking. M Gear: 'Manual' means 'hand-controlled,' allowing drivers to switch to manual mode, similar to operating a manual transmission car, requiring manual gear shifts. L Gear: 'Low' refers to the low-speed driving gear. In this gear, the transmission operates only in low gear (equivalent to 1st gear in manual transmissions) and does not automatically shift based on speed. This gear is typically used for climbing or descending steep slopes. In low gear, the drive wheels deliver higher torque, providing ample power to climb steep slopes. Prolonged braking can overheat brake pads, reducing braking efficiency, which is dangerous on long or steep descents. Engaging L gear uses the engine's low RPM to control the vehicle's movement, eliminating the need for constant braking. D Gear: 'Drive' means 'to operate.' Engaging this gear and pressing the accelerator allows the car to move. In this gear, the transmission automatically shifts based on speed and throttle input. At traffic lights, you can remain in D gear while pressing the brake. For short waits, this is acceptable, but prolonged idling in D gear can raise transmission fluid temperature and degrade its quality.