sco

Hmm... I always park in gear and always start with the stick in neutral and foot on the clutch (got a backup in case I ever forget the other). I've only been caught out when in neutral because the engine is running (at the top of my driveway or on a hill start).

Revolver

I have the habit, ingrained in me by my father when learning to drive a manual, to always waggle the stick from side to side to check that it's in neutral before I twist the key in the ignition.

Slowly getting back into the habit of parking in gear again. :o

fatmarco

From my experience the handbrake is only inadequate on steep hills, however i have noticed that it is really easy to bump the handbrake. On several occasions i have bumped it slightly when taking my hand off the handbrake or reaching for something in the centre console and it clicked a couple of clicks loose! It seems my locking button on the handbrake has a bit of a hair trigger. I have noticed that the handbrake is not very linear in its strength, if you click it one or two loose it is basically not applying any force even though the lever feels like it is.
Maybe this is happening to other people as well?

dracoMJB

As I said previously, I've never had a need to park in gear unless on a steep slope. I grew up and learnt to drive while living on a relatively steep incline and again never had to worry about putting the car into first gear. This is the first time I've ever had a problem with a handbrake in 15 years of driving across 5 different manual cars.

xxup

Hey! My father taught me that too! Brings back great memories - man he was patient - I would never have the patience now to teach me how to drive! Got my licence first go too...

I am hone with the flu - slept all morning. Jsut taken the anti-biotics have to wait 30 mins for food... Feel miserable..

mikeyr

My driveway looks like the north face of everest, lucklily with a flat bit at the top but i leave the 8 in gear just in case, must say I reckon the hb is a little light. Tend to give it an extra yank....leave it... to make sure it's solid.

Like launching a "viper" on battlestar going down in the morning and no right foot needed so thats an upside, pity i have to stop for kids at the bottom!

Revolver

C'mon Mikey, that's what the horn is for!! :D

mikeyr

No really, I'll take a picture, we have bloody mountain goats who look twice at this hill!

And how did you get 1000 post in 6 months?

xxup

He's a lawyer - he's paid to talk (write) too much... :D :D :D :D

Wildcard

So there is no reason then not to leave it in gear from what I am hearing....

In aviation we call it an extra level of safety.

RXP33D

LEaving in neutral reduces the risk of launching the car if started in first!

Just in case! So I just yank the handbrake everytime i park as hard as i can!

xxup

Aircraft have a handbrake and a first gear!

Revolver

Ask Taka - I'm the spam king!!! :p :D :D :D

Revolver

See my post re: the habit of waggling the stick from side to side - ensures you never start in first.

Revolver

Have you guys been watching that Spitfire Ace program. My wife's eyes glaze over and she has to leave the room but I think it's been really interesting.

And those Spitfires have a stick to pull on (pathetic attempt to 'stick' to the topic).

Wildcard

I've been watching the Spitfire ace program. The guy learning to fly bit is okay, but the Battle of Britain stuff is excellent. Must remember to tape it tomorrow night....

Wildcard

Park brake - yes. First gear - no.

That's why we use chocks. We don't trust the handbrake either.

Perhaps you guys who insist on parking your car out of gear should carry a set of chocks in the boot instead!! :D

"engine off... handbrake on... chocks in!"

timbo

That'd be the ejector seat then :D :p

sco

Only in some forms of aviation... wonder if that's how choppers got their name?