Sorry I know the owner was worried

[Speedy]

I was taught to ALWAYS leave it in 1st Gear when parked. It is a failsafe back up if something mechanically goes wrong with the handbrake especially when parked on a slope. I do not see a valid reason to change after 37 years of it not causing any harm, it is not difficult to check where the gearstick is before turning the key.

[The Captain]

I was taught to ALWAYS leave it in 1st Gear when parked. It is a failsafe back up if something mechanically goes wrong with the handbrake especially when parked on a slope. I do not see a valid reason to change after 37 years of it not causing any harm, it is not difficult to check where the gearstick is before turning the key.

Same here, car is always left in gear regardless of where I am parked.

[DavesBRG5]

I was taught to ALWAYS leave it in 1st Gear when parked. It is a failsafe back up if something mechanically goes wrong with the handbrake especially when parked on a slope. I do not see a valid reason to change after 37 years of it not causing any harm, it is not difficult to check where the gearstick is before turning the key.

Same here, car is always left in gear regardless of where I am parked.

Glad it`s not just me then

[Mazda Mender]

Ian , and would not try to change your bad habits lol, but you hit the nail on the head in that you would check first before turning the key,which is the point

[nedski]

I have a sales pitch with around 40 cars. Every one is parked with the hand brake off and in 1st gear. If I didn't I would have at least half stuck with seized on hand brakes. Modern electronic handbrakes are even worse.
I was taught to leave the hand brake on and leave it in gear as a secondary safety device. And always taught to check the car was in neutral before starting. It's a bit like looking left and right before pulling out of a junction. It's something you should do or you might have an accident.

[Badknee]

I'm with you nedski, when Roys in the garage he's always in gear handbrake off, but when out and about handbrake on and in 1st gear or reverse depending on road level and yes, front wheels turned into kerb if on a hill.

How about the tip for HGV drivers on total loss of brakes on a hill, to slow down run the vehicle up against a wall or earth bank and increase the pressure to slow down more quickly. Very pleased to say in 22yrs I never had to do that lol.

[Badknee]

Oh, beached 5, jack and block, jack and block, two planks and drive it back onto the gravel. Easy innit.