Q&A for How to Park on a Hill

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  • Question
    Which way do I turn my tires when parking uphill?
    Ibrahim Onerli
    Driving Instructor
    Ibrahim Onerli is a Driving Instructor and the Manager of Revolution Driving School in New York City. His mission is to make the world a better place by teaching safe driving. Ibrahim trains and manages a team of over eight driving instructors. He specializes in teaching defensive driving and stick shift driving.
    Driving Instructor
    Expert Answer
    You should turn your wheels away from the curb. This will keep the car from rolling out into traffic if the brakes fail.
  • Question
    Does parking a manual transmission car on a hill cause damage to the transmission?
    Community Answer
    Basically no - clutch in, engage first gear, hold the car with the brake on, apply the handbrake and let the clutch out. All should be okay if the handbrake works properly. If your handbrake isn't working, get it fixed. Relying on the transmission only to hold a car (both automatic and manual) can have adverse effects on the gear box and cause wear and tear.
  • Question
    Should the brakes be fully depressed when selecting any of the P, N, D, R?
    Community Answer
    Yes, the brakes should be depressed enough for the car to be stopped. On a downhill slope you may have to depress them more. On a steep uphill slope, you might have to depress them more to avoid rolling backwards. Unless you are shifting between different forward gears, always keep your foot on the brake when changing gears. If you shift from D to R while you are idling or moving, it could damage the transmission, especially if you are moving fast.
  • Question
    How do I park uphill without a curb?
    Community Answer
    Always have your wheels turned turned to the right when there are no curbs - uphill or downhill.
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