Parking gear-1st or R?

[akpak]

I've heard a couple of different theories on this so I want to get your input..which gear (in an MT, ofcourse) should you leave your car in when you park? This is what I do:
Level: 1st +E-brake
Downhill: R+E-brake (Wheels to right)
Uphill: 1st+E-brake (Wheel to left)

I've heard that there are different recommended gears for different trannys when parking..some say 1st, others R, still others say spread it out to even the wear and even include 2nd and 3rd in the rotation.

I've also heard about E-brakes locking up when left engaged over extended periods(like when on vacation)..this seems to be more severe in the winter months. So in these cases, should you just leave it in gear without engaging E-brake. Does e-brake provide any additional support if gear is already engaged.

Last thing..my situation is complicated in the winter because I'm spoiled by a remote starter that requires car be in neutral. But I only need the remote starting at work or overnight at home, both of which are level, so I don't think E-brake is too stressed acting solo.

Thanks

[brfatal]

If you're on a steep hill, put it in the gear that's the opposite of the direction it would roll.

[Sinister]

I only leave it in N and E-Brake it unless on a severe incline.. but the examples you gave are the most correct.

I've been doing this for 40k miles, and the E-Brake has never slipped... so you're fine with your remote start and just the E-Brake in my opinion.

[wrxtreme06]

this is what i do:

flat surface: ebrake + 1st
downhill: ebrake + 4th
uphill: ebrake + 1st

[Sinister]

Originally Posted by wrxtreme06

this is what i do:

flat surface: ebrake + 1st
downhill: ebrake + 4th
uphill: ebrake + 1st

4th doesn't make any sense to me... when you drop start a car, usually it's in 3rd or 4th... it seems like it'd be easier for the car to roll down hill in 4th. Can you explain your reasoning behind this hun?

[wrxtreme06]

i dont have a reasoning for it

i just dont feel comfortable leaving it in reverse, even if it does make more sense to leave it there.

perhaps it has something to do with my OCD lol

[WRXie]

When I park, I park
on a level surface, 1st,
uphill, 1st and e-brake or just 1st, depending on the hill,
downhill, R and e-brake, again, depending on the hill, sometimes just R.

Lately though, my car skips gears so I just avoid hills.

[Sinister]

Originally Posted by wrxtreme06

perhaps it has something to do with my OCD lol

You just made me question every post you've ever made jk jk

[vttk_mig69]

i tend to only use the E-brake, i realy havent needed or more or less cared about putting it in first. i think if the E-brake is gonna slip while on a hill, first or reverse really isnt gonna help if the E-brake cant hold it. but thats just me and my $0.02.

[Pactin]

Originally Posted by vttk_mig69

i tend to only use the E-brake, i realy havent needed or more or less cared about putting it in first. i think if the E-brake is gonna slip while on a hill, first or reverse really isnt gonna help if the E-brake cant hold it. but thats just me and my $0.02.

If the hill is steep enough (like 50* and up or something), then yeah I think the car will probably roll. But in most cases, 1st gear and reverse can help the parking brake. Same applies if youve ever tried pushing your car while its in first and no ebrake.

[wrx0131]

I leave it in neutral with no E brake.


When its on a hill, I let my car rest on the car behind me or the fence/wall behind.



nah seriously, i leave it in neutral with e brake on a flat surface, but 1st gear and e brake on a steep enough hill.....or in a bad neighborhood lol

[Pavia]

I guess I'm bad... I leave it in N with the E brake on level ground.

One time, I did forget to pull the e brake on the GTO and it rolled out of it's parking space in a mall parking lot. No damage (just went 10 ft and didn't hit anything), but I was real idiot.

[ZACK777]

E brake and 1st on flat ground.
E brake and 1st facing up hill with wheel cut.
E brake and R facing down hill with wheel cut.

[greenc51]

level ground = ebrake + N
facing downhill = ebrake + reverse
facing uphill = ebrake + 1st

[bigpatskize]

I leave mine in N with the E brake. I am on a slight hill though maybe not even 5 degrees. Not a whole lot of hills around here to park your car on mostly level ground.