To H/brake Or Not To H/brake

johnboy007 · July 23, 2009

Every time I

park my lexus gs300 (automatic), Which is my first auto to be fair, I never know whether or not I should put the h/brake on.  Obviously on a hill would be advised, but on a level road I always think that park, which would not be on a auto gearbox unless it was there to be used ,need`nt be backed up by the handbrake (foot pedal).  Would there be any detremental effect or wear by not using the h/brake ?.

Johnboy...

dave1 · July 23, 2009

The parking brake is also there to be used! If it isn't used there is always the possibility that it will seize up over time.

johnboy007 · July 23, 2009

thank-you dave1 4 that, That was my worry. Why is there a park position though, why not just have a neutral position, to use with the h/brake?.

when would you use the park position, would it be when stationary for a short while, like at T/lights ?.

dave1 · July 23, 2009

thank-you dave1 4 that, That was my worry. Why is there a park position though, why not just have a neutral position, to use with the h/brake?.
when would you use the park position, would it be when stationary for a short while, like at T/lights ?.

Traffic lights, traffic holdups, parking on an incline.......I normally use P and the parking brake whenever I park the car.

Parthiban · July 24, 2009

Park is just for parking really (as the name suggests :P )

I don't think you absolutely need to use the handbrake, but I really don't like the way the car rocks in the transmission if you leave it in park with no handbrake - the way it feels it can't be good for it........

dave1 · July 24, 2009

Park is just for parking really (as the name suggests :P )
I don't think you absolutely need to use the handbrake, but I really don't like the way the car rocks in the transmission if you leave it in park with no handbrake - the way it feels it can't be good for it........

As I said earlier, if the parking brake is never used then there is a fair chance that it will seize up eventually. No reason not to use it either.

Rory · July 24, 2009

I was behind a woman in an auto volvo about 12 months ago and she put it in park everytime she stopped at traffic lights, her general driving suggested I keep my distance and at the next set of lights I held back, and i'm glad I did cos when she took it out of park she just put it in reverse and accelerated lol, luckily she realised immediately and didn't hit me,

I use park when I park, and I put the handbrake on, s'what its there for...