Parking your car on a hill or slope

Securing a parked car requires a procedure suited to its transmission, brake and the slope. Do not rely on one universal precaution.

Choose a safe position

Park only where it is permitted and the vehicle will not obstruct crossings, access or traffic. On a slope, assess the available space and make sure the car is fully stopped before selecting park mode. Avoid leaving it on a bend, near a crest or somewhere other road users may not see it clearly.

Once stopped, apply the parking brake as instructed by the manufacturer and select the gear or mode required for the type of transmission. The procedure can differ between automatic, manual and electric vehicles; there is no single sequence for every model. Consult the handbook, especially on a steep slope or with an electronic parking system.

Do not rely on rules of thumb

Advice such as always turning the wheels in one direction may depend on which side of the road you are on, whether there is a kerb and the type of vehicle. Follow the handbook and local rules; do not use the wheel against a kerb as a substitute for the parking brake. If the manufacturer specifies a particular procedure, follow it and check the indicator confirms it is engaged.

Before walking away, check that the doors are closed, the vehicle shows no fault and there are no people or objects in front of or behind it. Do not test it by pushing the car or letting it roll. If the brake does not engage or the vehicle moves at all, secure it again if you can do so safely and seek assistance.

If the brake or transmission has a fault

If you are unsure about the parking brake, do not park on a steep slope until the system has been checked. Follow the manufacturer’s guidance and contact a garage or roadside assistance. Do not improvise with chocks or other devices unless the handbook permits them.

On an uphill slope, stop the car with the parking brake applied and leave a gear engaged; with an automatic gearbox, select P. Turn the wheels according to the slope and presence of a kerb, then make sure the car stays still before walking away. Always choose a place where parking is permitted and will not cause an obstruction.

Quiz Patente Ufficiale offers theory chapters, timed exam-style quizzes and error review; for a particular model, follow the manufacturer’s handbook.