If the front of your car is facing downhill, you'll want to put your car into reverse to stop it from rolling forward. Conversely, if you're facing uphill, selecting a forward gear will help prevent it rolling backwards.

When parking a manual transmission car on an incline, you should use the gear that provides the most resistance against the direction the car might roll. If you are parked facing uphill, you should leave the car in 1st gear. Conversely, if you are parked facing downhill, you should shift into reverse. This "opposite gear" technique acts as a vital secondary brake. In 2026, safety experts emphasize that while modern handbrakes are reliable, leaving the car in gear—and turning your wheels toward the curb (downhill) or away from the curb (uphill)—provides a triple-layered defense against brake failure, ensuring the vehicle remains stationary even on the steepest urban slopes.