Handbrake, is it really necessary!?

[Robbo1969]

Hi all,

I'm a month into owning my DB9 and having been away at exhibitions for 3 of those weeks, am just getting used to the handbrake release technique. On Sunday morning I tried several times before it released.

Basically, If I'm parked on a relatively flat surface, once I've pressed "P" do you think it's really necessary to pull the handbrake on too?

[HBradley]

Robbo1969 said:

Hi all,

I'm a month into owning my DB9 and having been away at exhibitions for 3 of those weeks, am just getting used to the handbrake release technique. On Sunday morning I tried several times before it released.

Basically, If I'm parked on a relatively flat surface, once I've pressed "P" do you think it's really necessary to pull the handbrake on too?

As I understand it, P locks the transmission, so theoretically it shouldn't move, but I think it would be wise to apply the HB as well.

[AMDBSVNick]

Never used the handbrake in an auto, why would you if you've engaged P?

[vpr]

Same, never use the HB on an auto though someone did tell me it puts strain on the transmission if it's on a slope

[ilikeAstons]

I use mine on any slope. But at home, just Park, because it's flat.

[J12KJR]

I didn't always bother to use the one on my V8V with SS and all was fine until I left it on a fairly steep slope and it locked the transmission so that I couldn't engage any gears. Had to have the car recovered and a reset carried out, inconvenient start to a 2 week holiday in Italy.
Always use the handbrake now as I don't want a repeat of the experience.

[Manx V8V]

I don't know how the Aston auto box is laid out, and mine is a manual, but I do know that on my Jag it is advised to use the parking brake on slopes, as otherwise an excessive load could be placed on the pin which performs the lock up in 'P' this could lead to it shearing off, or being loaded sufficiently to not release again if the weight of the car is pulling against it, hence you will not be able to get it out of 'P'

[DB9VolanteDriver]

Manx V8V said:

I don't know how the Aston auto box is laid out, and mine is a manual, but I do know that on my Jag it is advised to use the parking brake on slopes, as otherwise an excessive load could be placed on the pin which performs the lock up in 'P' this could lead to it shearing off, or being loaded sufficiently to not release again if the weight of the car is pulling against it, hence you will not be able to get it out of 'P'

The proper technique on a hill is to apply the handbrake, then release the foot brake, then put it in park. This is to prevent an excessive load being applied to the trans parking pin. On anything approaching flat, don't bother with the handbrake.

[Robbo1969]

Thanks everyone!

As I thought, on the flat no handbrake. On a steepish slope I'll pull it on.

Logic I suppose!

Right, roll on the weekend!

[HBradley]

Robbo1969 said:

Right, roll on the weekend!

Hopefully not!