When parking your vehicle on any hill:
One of your rear wheels should touch the curb.
Use your parking brake and leave the vehicle in “park.”
Your front wheels should be parallel to the road, if there is no curb.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is: Use your parking brake and leave the vehicle in “park.”
When parking on any hill, whether it’s an incline or decline, it’s essential to take specific steps to ensure your vehicle stays securely in place and doesn’t roll into traffic or cause an accident. Here’s a detailed explanation of why using the parking brake and leaving the vehicle in “park” is the safest and most effective method:
- Using the Parking Brake:
The parking brake, also known as the emergency brake or handbrake, is designed to keep your vehicle stationary when it is parked. Unlike the main braking system, which uses hydraulic pressure, the parking brake typically uses cables or other mechanical methods to engage the brakes directly on the rear wheels. When you park on a hill, this brake is crucial in preventing the vehicle from rolling, especially if the transmission or automatic gear system fails to hold the car securely. - Leaving the Vehicle in “Park”:
For automatic transmission vehicles, shifting the car into “park” locks the transmission and prevents the wheels from turning. This is an important part of the safety protocol for parking on hills. However, relying on the “park” gear alone without engaging the parking brake can still be risky, particularly if the car is on a steep slope. The parking brake adds an extra layer of security by physically preventing movement. - Wheel Position (Optional but Recommended):
While not directly linked to the parking brake, it’s also a common practice to turn your wheels when parking on a hill. If you are parking uphill, turn your front wheels away from the curb, and if parking downhill, turn your wheels toward the curb. This ensures that if the car rolls, it will be directed toward the curb or out of traffic, reducing the chances of an accident. - General Safety:
Always ensure the car is completely stopped before engaging the parking brake. By following these steps, you protect yourself, your passengers, and others on the road.