Why you should use your parking brake

Many drivers think the parking brake is only for steep hills — but that’s not true. Your parking brake is designed to protect your vehicle every time you park.

How It Protects Your Transmission:

Inside your transmission is a small metal part called a parking pawl. When you shift into Park, that tiny piece holds the full weight of your vehicle.

Over time, that strain can lead to damage and costly repairs.

Using the parking brake removes that pressure and keeps your car securely in place.

The Right Way to Park To protect your transmission and prevent roll-away:

Parking Steps

Keep your foot on the brake

Shift to Neutral

Set parking brake

Release foot brake

Shift into Park

Leaving Steps

Foot on the brake

Shift to Drive or Reverse

Release parking brake

This simple habit reduces wear and adds safety.

Parking Brake = Safety + Savings

Using your parking brake:

Prevents unwanted rolling

Protects transmission components

Adds a backup braking method if something fails

Works on all vehicles — old or new, manual or automatic

It’s a small action that makes a big difference!