I always, always leave a manual in gear whether on flat or a slope. Also pay attention to steering wheel angle when on a slope and always, always depress the clutch when starting the engine. It gives the starter and battery a much easier time without having to turn over all those cogs in that thick, cold oil as well as the engine.
In a manual my regime is get in the car, belt up, depress clutch, start engine and clutch out at same time as handbrake off. Parking up is reverse. Pull up, depress clutch, select first gear, handbrake on, engine off, release clutch and unbuckle. Just how I was taught by my Dad. Never failed me yet, but I have never had a handbrake cable go on me, but I have owned some cars with dodgy handbrakes that barely worked over the years, which is why I always park up in gear.
Don't understand why it's a hassle to depress the clutch to start the engine when you've got to do it anyway to select first gear to pull off. If it's already in first gear when you parked it's one less thing to do.
