I have an automatic and I ALWAYS use my parking brake. I usually end up parking on an incline and I always do as juster stated ... engage the parking brake before putting it in park. If I don't my car makes a sickening "clunk" when shifted into drive.
BTW, I also get a warning light on my dash when my PB is on ... even my '79 Ford Fiesta had a PB indicator light haha
