In an automatic car in the UAE, the primary rule is to always secure the vehicle with the handbrake (parking brake) as the final step when parking, and use it first as a safety backup before releasing it to drive off. The correct sequence when starting is: 1) Press the foot brake firmly, 2) Shift from P (Park) to D (Drive) or R (Reverse), 3) Then release the electronic/parking brake, 4) Check surroundings and release the foot brake to move. This procedure, emphasized in driver education materials by the RTA Dubai, is universally recommended for GCC-spec vehicles and is crucial for preventing unintended vehicle movement—a significant safety risk in crowded areas like mall parkings or during school drop-off zones.
The reverse sequence is critical for parking, especially on inclines common in areas like Jebel Jais or multi-level parking in Dubai. You must: come to a complete stop with your foot on the main brake, engage the parking brake first to hold the car's weight, then shift into P (Park), and finally turn off the engine. Engaging 'P' first transfers the locking load to a small component called the parking pawl inside the transmission. On a steep slope, this can cause a noticeable 'jolt' when shifting out of Park later and, over years, may contribute to wear. A 2023 advisory from the MOI UAE regarding vehicle safety checks implicitly supports this by stressing the importance of maintaining a fully functional parking brake system.
For new car owners, the principle is simple: The parking brake is your primary immobilizer; the 'P' gear is a backup. Here's a quick reference for starting and stopping:
| Action | Correct Sequence | Common Mistake & Risk in UAE Context |
|---|
| Starting Car | Foot brake → Shift to D/R → Release parking brake → Go | Releasing parking brake first. Risk: Car may roll if on a slope (e.g., parking at Dubai Hills Mall). |
| Parking Car | Foot brake → Engage parking brake → Shift to P → Release foot brake → Turn off | Shifting to P first. Risk: Stress on transmission, noticeable 'clunk' on inclines, potential wear. |
Key takeaways for daily use in the UAE:
- Always use the foot brake as the control pedal during gear shifts.
- The parking brake is the main holding device; 'P' mode is secondary.
- Make this a habit to enhance safety and potentially reduce long-term transmission stress, as noted in maintenance guidelines for popular fleet vehicles like the Toyota Camry and Nissan Sunny.
- In the extreme summer heat (above 45°C), ensuring the parking brake is fully engaged before leaving the vehicle is even more critical.
