Why You Should Always Use The Handbrake If You Drive An Automatic
Most drivers have a routine they follow every time they park their vehicle. You pull into a spot, keep your foot on the brake pedal, and immediately shift the gear lever into ‘Park’ before turning off the engine. For many, the parking brake, also known as the handbrake or emergency brake, is something reserved exclusively for steep hills or emergency situations. However, automotive experts are warning that this common habit could be silently damaging your vehicle. A service technician from the John Hiester Automotive Group recently sparked a conversation by explaining why this step is crucial for every stop, regardless of the terrain.
The core of the issue lies in how an automatic transmission actually holds the car in place. When you shift into ‘Park’, a small metal pin known as a parking pawl engages a notched ring within the transmission output shaft. This pawl is often just a small piece of metal, yet many drivers rely on it to hold the entire weight of a heavy vehicle. If you do not engage the parking brake first, the car rolls slightly until the pawl catches against the ring, placing the full burden of the vehicle’s mass on that tiny component.
Over time, this practice can lead to significant mechanical problems. The constant stress on the parking pawl can cause it to wear down or even snap, which would result in the transmission losing its ability to lock the wheels. A broken pawl essentially means the ‘Park’ function no longer works, and your car could roll away if left unattended. Furthermore, resting the weight on the transmission creates tension that makes it harder to shift out of ‘Park’ later. This is often the cause of that loud, unsettling clunking noise you might hear when you start your car and shift into ‘Drive’.
To prevent this damage, experts recommend a specific sequence for parking that relieves tension on the transmission. When you come to a stop, you should keep your foot on the regular brake and immediately pull the handbrake or engage the electronic parking brake. Once the brake is set, you can then shift the transmission into ‘Park’ and release the foot pedal. This method ensures that the brakes, which are designed to hold heavy loads, take the weight of the car rather than the delicate internal transmission parts.
@hiestercdjrlillington Should You Use Your Parking Brake Every Time You Park?? #johnhiester #parking #mechanic #mechanicadvice #mechanictip #mechanictips #technician #carmaintenance #carmaintenancetips #automaintenance #VehicleMaintenance #CarSafety #AutoTips #CarCare #AutoMechanic ♬ original sound – John Hiester CDJR Lillington
The advice is supported by other safety organizations, including the Driver’s Ed Guru platform, which emphasizes that the parking brake should be used every single time. It serves as a vital backup system that ensures the vehicle remains stationary even if the transmission fails or is struck by another car. Using the handbrake consistently also keeps the cables and mechanisms in good working order, preventing them from seizing up due to lack of use. By making this simple adjustment to your daily driving routine, you can avoid expensive transmission repairs and increase the safety of your vehicle.
Do you rely only on the transmission when parking or do you strictly use the handbrake every time you stop? Please share your thoughts and personal experiences in the comments.
