jm

I had been reading many past posts and people generally park their cars in 1st or R without using the parking brake. Once I parked the car on an incline leaving it in first gear; however, by the time I turned off the engine and let go the clutch and brake, the car sort of rolled back. So I immediately pulled the parking brake to prevent the car from rolling down further. So what do you guys do when you park your car on an incline?

I am also planning to upgrade the front and rear brakes to the Alcon B and R types with larger rotors (like Cathleen's set up). As I understand it, I will lose the function of the parking brake. That's why I wonder if it is wise to go without the parking brake as I often use it during stop and go traffic on inclined roads. Thanks for your input.

Audi2Ody

It's better to put the load of the car on a brake rather than your transmission.<p><a href="http://registry.audiworld.com/audi/registry/details.asp?car=161"</a><img SRC="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/AudiWorldPics/2000/a4registrydl.jpg" BORDER=0></a>

HiTEC

When I stop the car I put trans in neutral, apply the parking brake, let my foot of the brake pedal, then put car in park.

This takes the load off the trans rather than the brakes.

In a manual, I wouldn't trust leaving it in gear only. In my manual Honda, I never park it in gear. With older car the parking brake lines will seize if you don't use it.<p>Brad Bilut, A4 98.5 2.8 30V PES
<a href="http://registry.audiworld.com/audi/registry/details.asp?car=874 "><img SRC="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/AudiWorldPics/2000/bilut_a4.jpg" BORDER=0></a>

TomAvant

if you don't use your parking brake, over the longer haul the E-brake mechanics (cable,spring,actuator) will have a higher tendency to bind/sieze.....this has been a chronic issue with audis since I can remember.....I have had work done on every Audi I've owned.....once the E-brake cable, and twice the calipers...... not a big concern either way tho since the work I've had to do regarding this has all been when the car has had betweeen 120,000 and 150,000 miles.........personally I dont use it because my driveway is flat and am in that habit......as for the transmission in over 500,000 miles of audi driving, the only thing I've ever done to a transmission is replace the fluid with synthetic (manual) at over 100K, it makes for smoother shifting<p>'01 1.8T Avant - Laser Red

A4dit

You sbould use it any time you park. Come to stop, pull brake, put in first, turn car off, release clutch. Even on flat pavement.

If you drive stick well, you shouldn't need your parking brake in stop and go traffic on inclined roads. On incline - with foot on brake, release clutch to friction point until you feel that the brake isn't helping...then release brake, apply gas and release clutch normally until disengaged.<p>'96 2.8Q Stock

Audi2Ody

I actually am in the habit of always using the parking brake but never leaving it in gear. I leave it in neutral. Since I always use the parking brake, I've never had one seize up.

Brad's method seems to make the most sense. Apply parking brake and then put it in gear for an extra margin of safety (especially on a hill). Best of both methods.

Then there's our Saab which forces you to put it in reverse before you can remove the key. Saab just HAS to be different!<p><a href="http://registry.audiworld.com/audi/registry/details.asp?car=161"</a><img SRC="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/AudiWorldPics/2000/a4registrydl.jpg" BORDER=0></a>

ChuckH

...good about. Personally, I always use the E-brake, and only put my cars in gear when parked on an incline. Basically, it's easier for me to remember to set the parking brake than to engage a gear. I never put my cars in gear in flat parking lots; especially if the front of the car is exposed to oncoming parking cars. The reason for this is that a small bump from another car from the front or back could potentially do damage to the transmission while not damaging any other part of your car. You wouldn't even know anyone hit your car until several thousands of miles later! :-(

The only time you wouldn't really want to use the brake is if you've been using the brakes really hard, like on the track. You need to let them cool off before binding the pads up against the rotors.

Do what you feel best about. Whatever you do, remember that on a steep enough hill, the parking brake may not hold the car by itself. A few people have learned that the hard way! Always engage a gear on hills! :-)<p>Charles
2000 Nissan Xterra SE V6 4x4
'98 A4 2.8 Q-Tip (employer owned)