Are you supposed to use the parking brake

Long story short, absofuckinlutly - EVERYTIME - I park for the last ~12 years

 

I use it to keep from stressing the automatic transmission. I'd use it all the time either way.

I have heard of some people in cold places having it freeze up, but I'd think with regular use and proper maintenance (I inspect my drums every 5,000 miles) you shouldn't have a problem.

 

If you park and automatic truck on a slope and don't use the parking brake, the next time you turn the truck on and put it in drive you will feel the truck fight to put the gear into drive. Not good for the truck. I always use the parking brake. So when I get in the truck, right foot holds down brake pedal, turn on truck, left foot kick parking brake, put in drive, go go go

 

Do it every time, the dealer told me that's why its just inches away from the gear shift. Also you might notice that if you apply the parking break before you open the drivers door the door chime does not go off.

 

If you don't use it a lot, you should engage it every once in a while to keep the mechanisms from rusting up too bad.

Matt

 

any time i want to keep the vehicle weight off the parking Pawl in the trans.

 

I always use the parking brake, flat, hilly or in between and here’s the important part. On an automatic, shift to neutral, apply PB, then go into park. If you go directly into park (which is normal) and then apply the parking brake you are putting enormous pressure on the prowl.

Remember; neutral first then the PB then park......its an easy habit to get into.

 

Always!

 

Use it even on auto because it’s programed muscle reflex now since the stick shift days