I could not find and answer ot this via search.

Just out of curiosity... when on even a slight incline, is it better to:

a) Foot on brake pedal, parking brake on, shift into park, foot off pedal (effectively with the parking brake holding the car)

or

b) Foot on brake pedal, shift into park, foot off brake pedal, parking brake on (effectively with the transmission holding the car before the parking brake is engaged)

Which is better for the car in the long run?

Jeff

 

Choice A. This will prevent damage to the parking paw, internal to the transmission. Damage could occur on a steep grade or while loading equipment on a trailer with the trans holding the load.

 

Yup...I put it in Park, set the parking brake, and then take my foot off the brake pedal. If Im on a real steep incline, I will ease off the brake pedal slowly, so the parking paw in the tranny doesnt receive a shock-load.

I cant count the number of people around here (I live in the mtns) who just throw their car in park and jump off the brake pedal. I twitch every time I see the vehicle rock back and forth...sometimes up to 6-8 inches.

 

Great. Thanks for the replies... So I assume there is no concern about having the rear brakes continuously engaged for hours every day while possibly under the tension of holding the car in place... or should I say, less concern than leaving the car resting on or slamming into the parking paw?

Jeff

 

The parking paw is actually pretty strong and it can take quite a bit of abuse. I know, I've tested it once..... Put a '72 LTD into park while going at 25 mph or so, and it survived with no apparent ill effect.

 

The parking/emergency brake will easily take the work of holding for hours on end, because it is not holding all on its own. The parking pawl also holds some of the load, but the first order is the right one, and as said before once one, gently ease off the pedal so that the pawl isn't shocked.