That's generally not a good idea. Cable stretch is not a problem, it can be adjusted (and generally modern cars often have a self-adjust system for handbrake cable, even for manual handbrakes).

Handbrake should be used to keep it effective (so that the cable moves regularly and does not get stuck). And, if the gear is released accidentally, you still have the brake, and vice versa.

(Myself, I have always parked with handbrake on + gear in 1st or reverse; nowadays with my VW it's pretty automatic because it's DSG and you have to put the selector to P to take the key out, and electric parking brake activates automatically.)

actually my Alltrack has EPB so i dont think there's a cable (or any mechanical linkage) from the brake lever to the caliper. sounds like it's all electronic -> hydraulic. in that case i should probably use it more.

> i prefer to leave it in gear rather than hand brake

> (unless on grade) to avoid the handbrake becoming less

> effective over time as the cable stretches.

Your justification for not using the handbrake for its intended purpose it that it may become less effective in the future? Seems counter intuitive unless I'm missing something...

If you believe your handbrake cable will stretch/break, just check it regularly. It really isn't that expensive to replace (compared to other car maintenance) and there's no harm in being extra cautious in this case.

The handbrake isn't only for parking. It's also useful on hills when you would roll backwards from a stop.

well the idea is that when you're parked, there's no emergency. but if you need it during an actual emergency and it's less effective than it should be...

In an emergency, the handbrake is very unlikely to help. It is likely to put you in a slip. Especially in a car with ABS and traction control, where normal brakes are far more effective.

The only emergency it is useful for is when you really have to pull a 180 right now and tight, as the automated systems do not expect this situation and will relax the brakes while you're deliberately trying to spin. I wouldn't trust even an above average drive with pulling that off - it's not being practiced. Usually it would be a desperation move when there's no space and a head on collision is likely.

it‘s a handbrake, not an emergency brake.

I'm feeling conflicted because my driving instructor said that you could and maybe should use handbrake for additional barking power in an emergency, but car's manual says that it shouldn't be used and may be damaged if used while the car is moving..

Do not use the handbrake for emergencies. You don't have antilock brakes with the handbrake and it will probably throw you into an uncontrollable skid rather than slow you down.

How would it be damaged if used while the car is moving? It's just a cable that activates the rear brake caliper independently of the hydraulics.

I do the same, except for me the reason is to never forget an improperly set hand brake, as the engine can easily overpower the brake and when you do notice or can be too late for a variety of parts. It's either first or neutral (as a reminder of the brake) plus tightly slammed hand brake when at grade.

It's a recipe for disaster. You prefer convenience over safety? You better put it in gear and then handbrake. One day my car was in only gear, neutral and a kid made it roll few feets by just playing inside the car. I'm afraid as hell since then.

> was in only gear, neutral

So was it in gear or was it in neutral?

sounds like the kid popped it out of gear?

Did the kid reach into the car and move the stick past the gate? Otherwise I'm not sure how you can pop a car out of gear.