I'm new to the electronic parking brake. Not sure if I should still leave car in gear (driveway on a slope) as I almost started engine (push button) with it in gear this morning! Is it safe enough to rely on the electronic parking brake only?

Can you start it in gear then? Past: FL2 TD4 HSE Auto
Evoque SD4 Dynamic Lux Auto
Present: Audi A3 S Line.

I would assume I can start it in gear - haven't actually tried

Hi,

You can start any manual with it in gear, as long as you hold the clutch down first, therefore no damage can be done!!

As for leaving it in gear, its an individual thing, I have never done so with all my cars, Wifey always does 'Its the way I was taught' says she (yeah she has a good memory;))

However if mine had the electronic handbrake, I think I would be tempted to do the same, had a courtesy which had it fitted a few weeks ago, not sure I liked or trusted it! Kola is the big solid black German Shepherd, Dobbie is.......a breed you've never heard of......yet;)

The clutch pedal needs to be depressed before you can start the vehicle.

I always leave the car in gear (manual) when parked, its how Ive always been taught, I guess from days of old when brakes werent so good? Plus on a slope turn the front wheel into the kerb.

Always park every car in gear I have ever owned/driven in my lifetime.
Always depress the clutch irrespective of it being in gear or not before turning/pressing the ignition on to start and normally flick it into neutral.

Most modern cars now, will not even allow the engine to start without pressing the clutch irrespective of in or out of gear.

Ben (GONE) FL2 2008 SE (manual) Santorini Black, the expensive one
(LEFT WITH) 300tdi Defender 90 the cold, reliable & sensible one

Quote:

I guess from days of old when brakes werent so good?

Quote:

Most modern cars now, will not even allow the engine to start without pressing the clutch

In the Manual of my 07 Freelander it stated they if facing uphill, Handbrake on and select Park or 1st gear, or reverse gear if facing downhill and turn the wheel into the kerb. They must have got more confident with the Handbrake of the later models. p****d off with a Digital Keyboard Warrior

I always leave a manual car in gear when parking. That's what I was taught to do when learning to drive.

There have been reported instances where the handbrake has released slightly as the brakes have cooled and the car has rolled.

It has happened to our 'company' cars to the extent that we issued guidance to always depress the footbrake fully before applying the handbrake and to also leave the car in gear when parking. Poke it, Poke it, make it do it again!!

Gone - 2008 Freel2 HSE Santorini Black
Hello - 2010 RRS TDV6 3.0 HSE Santorini Black

Last edited by russben on 6th Jun 2013 11:21 pm. Edited 1 time in total

I would advise any FL owner to always distrust the handbrake and leave the car in gear.
I've worked in cars for over 40 years, the type of handbrake chosen by LR is typical if many other manufacturers cars being a drum brake within the centre of the brake disc.
This design suffers from rust which sets in from moisture, the rust polishes over to a shiny red/ brown crust which has poor friction grip.
It's a design problem which you cannot get around so , quite simply, always leave it in gear.
You will read on the forum of garages replacing discs when only the pads are worn at say 35k miles, it might be a ploy to get the service bill higher but at least you get rid of the inherent rust for a while.
Kind regards from Fred

How steep is it where you guys live?
I leave cars in gear if and only if they're on a hill.
I could go out right now and take the handbrake off the car and it'd just sit there because it's flat and that's how gravity works...

Plus, suppose you accidentally park somewhere you shouldn't be and your car gets towed. People make mistakes, it happens.
With the handbrake on they'd drag your car onto the truck with locked rear wheels, not a big deal.
But if you're in gear, hello possible transmission damage and expensive repair bill.

Great answers everyone - thanks for all the advise!

when the old dear in Scotland tried to get a 13 foot micra into a 10 foot gap, I was glad I only put the handbrake on two clicks and not in gear,
she moved the car back a foot.
no damage to the Freebie but the micras bumper was cracked.


then she drove off as I was inspecting our car.

Don't you love inconsiderate people. Steve
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Owned: 2008 Freelander 2 HST
Own: 2000 Defender 90 TD5