Isn't it best practice to park in 1st? So that if the handbrake fails the engine brake slows the car a bit rather than it being a free falling projectile.

[–] Kleysley@discuss.tchncs.de 6 points 1 year ago

If its at an angle, yes. But i presume this was on flat terrain. BTW, 1st gear is only if its in danger of rolling backwards. If its in danger of rolling forwards, park in reverse gear.

[–] IDontHavePantsOn@lemm.ee 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Late reply, but no, not unless you are parked on a steep hill without any sidewalks. Leaving it parked in gear puts a great deal of stress on the clutch. Clutches aren't very fun or easy to replace. If you're on a hill with a sidewalk you should turn your front tires away from sidewalk on the incline, and towards the sidewalk on the decline.

[–] biddy@feddit.nl 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Why would there be load on the clutch if the handbrake is on?

[–] IDontHavePantsOn@lemm.ee 1 points 1 year ago

I was thinking you meant parking in gear rather than with the parking brake. My bad. You're totally right though.