Should You Use an E‑Brake When Parking?

Yes—use the parking brake (often called the e‑brake or handbrake) every time you park, on flats and hills. It reduces rollaway risk and takes stress off the transmission, and modern electronic parking brakes are designed for routine use. There are a few caveats in extreme cold, after very hot braking, or for long-term storage, but for everyday driving, applying the parking brake is the safer habit.

What the Parking Brake Does—and Why It Matters

The parking brake locks the rear wheels mechanically or electronically, providing an independent layer of protection beyond the transmission. Relying only on the transmission’s parking pawl (in automatics) can put load on a small metal latch, especially on slopes. Using the parking brake first lets the brake system—not the transmission—hold the car’s weight, reducing wear and helping prevent rollaway incidents.

Guidance by Vehicle Type

Automatics (Traditional and Electronic Shifters)

With automatics, set the parking brake while your foot is still on the service brake, then shift into Park. This sequence lets the parking brake, not the parking pawl, carry the load. On hills, you’ll feel less “bind” on the shifter when you later move out of Park.

Manual Transmissions

Use the parking brake and leave the car in gear. On level ground, first gear is fine; on a downhill, reverse is often recommended because it resists the vehicle’s rolling direction. The gear is a backup—your primary hold should still be the parking brake.

Hybrids and EVs

Many hybrids and EVs auto-apply a parking brake when you select Park or when the vehicle powers down, and some offer Auto Hold for stoplights (which is not a substitute for parking). Even if your car automates it, the best practice is unchanged: ensure the parking brake is engaged when parked, especially on inclines. Check your owner’s manual for model-specific behavior.

When You Should Be Cautious

The parking brake is the right tool for routine parking, but certain conditions call for a modified approach. The following scenarios explain when caution helps prevent damage or sticking components.

• Deep freeze after getting brakes wet: In subfreezing weather, if your brakes are soaked (heavy rain, slush, car wash), moisture can freeze around mechanical components. Gently brake for the last mile to heat and dry the rotors and pads; if ice is likely, consider relying on Park/gear and careful wheel turn-in on a level spot.
• After very hot braking: Following a mountain descent or track session, extremely hot pads can imprint on rotors if clamped stationary. Let the brakes cool briefly before setting the parking brake; use Park/gear and curb turn-in meanwhile.
• Long-term storage: On older, cable-operated systems, leaving the parking brake engaged for weeks can seize cables or shoes. For storage, use wheel chocks and Park/gear, and leave the parking brake off unless your manufacturer advises otherwise.

These are edge cases. For daily driving in typical conditions, using the parking brake remains the safest, least-wear option.

How to Set It Correctly

The sequence you use affects how much load sits on the transmission versus the parking brake. Follow these steps to minimize strain and maximize safety.

1. Stop fully with your foot on the service brake.
2. Apply the parking brake (lever up, pedal down, or electronic switch) while still holding the service brake.
3. For automatics and most EVs: shift into Park after the parking brake is engaged.
4. For manuals: select first gear on level/uphills or reverse on downhills after the parking brake is engaged.
5. Gently release the service brake to let the vehicle settle onto the parking brake.

This order ensures the parking brake—not drivetrain components—supports the vehicle, particularly on inclines.

Parking on Hills: Wheel Positioning Still Matters

Turning your front wheels as a backup can keep the car from rolling into traffic if everything else fails. Use these standard guidelines taught by licensing authorities.

• Uphill with a curb: Turn wheels away from the curb (left in right-hand traffic). If the car rolls, the curb catches a tire.
• Downhill with a curb: Turn wheels toward the curb (right in right-hand traffic). The tire rolls into the curb.
• No curb (uphill or downhill): Turn wheels toward the road edge so the car would roll off the roadway, not into it.

Wheel positioning is a last line of defense and complements, not replaces, using the parking brake.

Electronic Parking Brakes, Auto Hold, and Myths

Modern electronic parking brakes are built for everyday use and self-adjust pad pressure; using them regularly helps keep mechanisms exercised. Auto Hold is for temporary stops and typically releases when you press the accelerator—it is not the same as the parking brake and should not be relied on when you exit the vehicle. A common myth is that using the parking brake “wears it out”; in reality, routine engagement is part of normal operation and helps avoid corrosion-related sticking by keeping parts moving.

Maintenance and Safety Notes

Healthy brake systems are central to safe parking. Keep these care tips in mind to maintain reliable parking-brake performance.

• Have the parking brake inspected and adjusted at regular service intervals, especially on cable-operated systems.
• If an electronic parking brake warning appears, address it promptly; software faults or actuator issues can limit holding force.
• Never rely on the parking brake alone when towing or on steep grades—use wheel chocks as a backup if you’ll be parked for extended periods.
• Avoid applying the parking brake while the vehicle is moving except in a true emergency; it can destabilize the car.

Proactive maintenance and correct use ensure the system performs when you need it most.

Bottom Line

Use the parking brake every time you park. It’s a simple habit that prevents rollaways and reduces stress on your transmission. Be cautious only in extreme cold with wet brakes, after very hot braking, or during long-term storage—otherwise, set it and park with confidence.

Summary

Using the e‑brake when parking is recommended for automatics, manuals, hybrids, and EVs on both flat ground and hills. Apply it first, then shift to Park (or leave a manual in gear), and turn wheels appropriately on slopes. Exercise caution in freezing conditions with wet brakes, after hard braking when components are very hot, and for long-term storage. Regular use enhances safety and protects drivetrain components.

Does using your emergency brake save your transmission?

Not only does engaging the emergency brake give your car added stability and keep your car from rolling down hills, it also allows you to stop your vehicle in the event of primary brake failure and even helps extend the useful life of your transmission.

In which parking situations should you use a parking brake?

When to use your parking brake. Some people have been taught that this secondary brake only needs to be used when parking on an incline, but this is not the case: It is a best practice to engage your parking brake every single time you park your car.

How to properly use an e-brake when parking?

To properly use a handbrake when parking, come to a complete stop, keep your foot on the brake pedal, then firmly engage the handbrake. Next, release the pressure on the foot brake to ensure the handbrake is holding the car’s weight, and then shift the vehicle into park (for automatic) or into first gear (for manual on a hill) or reverse (on a downhill slope). 
Engaging the Handbrake (Automatic Car)

1. Stop the car: Bring your vehicle to a complete stop. 
2. Apply the handbrake: While keeping your foot on the brake pedal, pull up the handbrake lever until it locks into place. 
3. Shift to Park: With the handbrake engaged, shift the gear lever into “Park”. 
4. Release foot brake: Gently release the pressure on the foot brake. The car should remain solid. 

Engaging the Handbrake (Manual Car) 

1. Stop the car: Come to a full stop on a flat surface. 
2. Apply the handbrake: Pull the handbrake lever up firmly. 
3. Shift into gear: 
   • On a flat surface: You can shift into neutral. 
   • On an uphill slope: Shift into first gear. 
   • On a downhill slope: Shift into reverse gear. 
4. Release the handbrake: Disengage the handbrake by lifting the lever slightly to release the button, then press the button and push the lever down completely. 

Tips for Use

• Check the dashboard: Look for an indicator light on your dashboard to confirm the handbrake is engaged. 
• On hills: Using the handbrake in conjunction with the appropriate gear (first for uphill, reverse for downhill) puts less strain on the transmission. 
• Release the handbrake: When preparing to drive, you must release the handbrake before you start moving. 

Should I use my emergency brake every time I park?

While emergency brakes—also known as a hand brake, e-brake, or parking brake—do assist drivers parked on inclines, many are surprised to find that experts recommend using the emergency brake whenever you park your car—including on flat, level surfaces.