Do you set the parking brake before shifting into park?

Yes. In most driving situations, engaging the parking brake before shifting into Park helps take the load off the transmission's Park mechanism and prevents the car from rolling on slopes. On level ground, either order is acceptable, but the brake-first approach remains a safer habit.

This article explains why the order matters, how it aligns with common safety guidance, and provides a practical, step-by-step routine you can apply to most modern automatics. It also notes exceptions and terrain-specific considerations.

In hills, the extra hold from the parking brake can prevent rollbacks and reduce stress on the Park mechanism, while on flat pavement the risk of movement is lower but the habit still promotes consistent behavior and easier vehicle shutdown. The following guidance assumes a standard automatic with a conventional Park position.

Why this matters

The Park mechanism (the Park pawl) locks the transmission when you shift into Park. If the car is still moving or on a slope when you engage Park, the pawl can experience shock or wear, and the vehicle could roll. Using the parking brake helps isolate the vehicle from movement and reduces the load on the transmission, improving durability and safety.

Recommended parking procedure

To park safely in most situations, use the following sequence.

1. Come to a complete stop using the foot brake.


2. Engage the parking brake firmly to hold the vehicle in place.


3. With the parking brake set, shift the transmission into Park.


4. Turn off the engine and, if needed, release the foot brake.

Following this sequence helps keep the vehicle stationary, minimizes transmission load, and reduces chances of unintended movement, especially on inclines.

Terrain considerations

On hills

On inclined surfaces, practice parking brake-first to prevent rollback as you shift into Park, and consider turning the wheels toward the curb as an added precaution. Some vehicles may have features like hill-assist or auto-hold; rely on the standard brake-first method unless your owner’s manual indicates otherwise.

• Apply the parking brake before shifting into Park to counter any tendency to roll back.


• Turn the wheels toward the curb or edge of the road to provide an extra physical barrier against movement if the brake slips.

On hills, the parking brake-first approach offers a robust safeguard against rolling and reduces stress on the Park mechanism.

On level ground

On flat pavement, the risk of rollback is lower, so some drivers shift into Park before engaging the parking brake. However, adopting the brake-first habit on level ground fosters a consistent safety routine and reduces transmission wear over time. If you prefer a different sequence, ensure the vehicle is fully stopped and stable before turning off the engine.

• You may shift to Park first and then engage the parking brake, or follow the brake-first sequence for consistency.


• Always verify the vehicle is fully settled before leaving the vehicle or turning off the engine.

Level-ground parking can accommodate either order, but using the parking brake first remains a prudent standard across terrains.

Summary

In short, engaging the parking brake before shifting into Park is a prudent, commonly recommended practice, particularly on hills, to reduce wear on the transmission and prevent movement. On level ground the difference is less pronounced, but sticking to the brake-first procedure promotes consistency and safety. Always ensure the vehicle is fully stopped, the parking brake is engaged, and the transmission is in Park before turning off the engine.

What is the proper way to set a parking brake?

So pull upwards and push the button in once the button clicks in now I can hold the button. Down. And push the parking brake all the way down.

What is the correct order to park a car?

So how do you avoid the “clunk” sound?

1. Bring the car to a full stop.
2. Keep the foot brake pressed.
3. Shift to “N”. Now all the weight is on the foot brake.
4. Engage the parking brake.
5. Lift your foot of the foot brake.
6. Press the foot brake. (
7. Shift the gear into “P”.
8. Lift your foot of the foot brake.

What is the correct way to park an automatic car?

To park an automatic car correctly, first come to a complete stop and press the brake pedal. Then, shift the gear to Neutral (Ncap N𝑁), apply the parking brake, and release the foot brake to let the parking brake hold the car's weight. Finally, shift the gear to Park (Pcap P𝑃) and turn off the engine. This sequence protects the transmission from undue stress.
 
This video demonstrates the correct method for parking an automatic car: 1mDriving TVYouTube · Sep 29, 2024
Step-by-step guide

1. Come to a complete stop: Press the foot brake to bring the car to a full stop. 
2. Shift to Neutral: With your foot still on the brake, move the gear selector to Neutral (Ncap N𝑁). 
3. Apply the parking brake: Engage the parking or handbrake firmly. This will hold the car's weight, taking the pressure off the transmission. 
4. Release the foot brake: Once the parking brake is engaged, you can safely lift your foot off the foot brake. 
5. Shift to Park: Press the foot brake again for safety, then move the gear selector to Park (Pcap P𝑃). 
6. Turn off the engine: Turn the ignition key or press the start/stop button to turn off the engine. 

You can also watch this video to see how to park an automatic car on an incline: 1mSunderdeep SinghYouTube · Jul 11, 2024

Should you set the parking brake before putting in park?

Manufacturers and auto mechanics advise drivers to always engage the e-brake before shifting their vehicle into park to prevent wear and tear on intricate vehicle components.