RKMA86

When parking a manual car, what is the process? (just got a 6MT car)
Foot on brake--> e-brake --> turnoff car --> clutch+ put in gear?
or
Foot on brake, turn off car, clutch+ put in gear --> e-brake?
or it doesn't matter?

And secondly, do any of you park your cars not using the e-brake? (assuming level ground of course)

Thanks guys!

Sportstick

I use the parking brake on hills, but on relatively level surfaces, simply leave the trans in first or reverse.

1) Slow to stop, clutch depressed
2) Turn off engine, right foot stays on brake
3) Place in first or reverse
4) Release clutch

or, on a slope or hill

1) Slow to stop, clutch depressed
2) Turn off engine, right foot stays on brake
3) Engage parking brake
4) Place in first or reverse
5) Release clutch

Sequence matters...on a hill engage parking brake before allowing weight of car to load trans...also true for automatics.

And don't waste $$$ and risk damage by having dealer apply any sealants or rust proofing while parked!!

C300Sport

I laughed when I saw your post...it took me a while to get used to applying the brake with my clutch foot...much easier with a hand brake.
Anyhow, I finally got into the habit of shutting the car off in gear with the clutch depressed, and my right foot on the brake. Once the car is off, I simply release the clutch, apply the foot brake and then release the main brake pedal.

Sportstick

Good point! It is such a habit, that I forgot to mention that when applying the brake with the left foot, I have momentarily slipped into neutral before engaging first or reverse for parking! LOL...I'm sitting at my desk, imagining my almost subconscious movements when driving!

C300Sport

I was doing the same...during the first couple weeks it was a conscious effort to do it right but after a while it's like tying your shoes.

Spec_Davis

No Snow No Heavy Rain try to get wider tires for more traction.

RKMA86

see with those 2 approaches being said, not sure whether it is better to apply the weight on the ebrake or on the transmission.

If i'm on level ground, can i just put it in gear and not use the ebrake?

C300Sport

It is better to place the tension on the parking brake. My method likely puts a little tension on both as there is a bit of settling after you apply the brake on an incline. If you are on a very steep hill, I would apply the parking brake and let the car settle downhill and then place it in gear.

I would ALWAYS apply the parking brake!!! Get into the habit of applying the parking brake and don't even bother thinking about if it is level enough to do without!

Sportstick

Not sure why you say that....we both place most of the load on the parking brake. As long as you have your right foot on the brake pedal until the parking brake is applied (which both of our methods do), you are optimizing how much of the load the parking brake takes.

C300Sport is probably right that 100% use of parking brake is correct. I just have not been that disciplined over the last 40 years of driving.