Before leaving a parked position on a hill, you should engage the parking brake.

Before leaving a parked position on a hill, you should engage the parking brake.

• A. False
• B. It depends on slope
• C. True
• D. Only when not using a seat belt

Answer: (C)

On hills, gravity can move a parked car even if the transmission is in Park, so you need a brake that doesn’t depend on the engine. The parking brake provides a separate, mechanical hold on the wheels, securing the vehicle while you leave it. Engaging it before you depart creates a second line of defense against movement and reduces stress on the transmission’s parking mechanism. This practice is standard practice no matter how steep the slope is, and it isn’t related to whether a seat belt is fastened.

On hills, gravity can move a parked car even if the transmission is in Park, so you need a brake that doesn’t depend on the engine. The parking brake provides a separate, mechanical hold on the wheels, securing the vehicle while you leave it. Engaging it before you depart creates a second line of defense against movement and reduces stress on the transmission’s parking mechanism. This practice is standard practice no matter how steep the slope is, and it isn’t related to whether a seat belt is fastened.