What should be engaged when turning on your vehicle?

When starting your vehicle, engaging the parking brake is essential for safety. The parking brake, also known as the handbrake or emergency brake, is designed to keep the vehicle stationary when it's parked. When you turn on the vehicle while in park, the parking brake ensures that the car does not roll, especially if it's on an incline. This practice helps prevent unintended movement which could lead to accidents or damage.

Using the parking brake is particularly important because it acts as a backup to the regular braking system, ensuring that even if there's a failure or a fault in the regular brakes, the vehicle remains secure. Additionally, engaging the parking brake is a good habit that many driving instructors emphasize, as it promotes safe driving practices from the outset.

Remember that using the parking brake should be part of your routine whenever you park your vehicle to help prevent any rolling and to protect the transmission.