Is it permissible to go to the funeral (procession) by car or to precede it to the graveyard without walking alongside it, knowing that the distance does not exceed 1.5 kilometers?

Riding when accompanying a funeral procession is disliked by the four Imams, and walking is better for those for whom it is not difficult. Walking in front of the funeral procession is better according to the three Imams, contrary to Abu Hanifa who deems walking behind it better. The preponderant opinion is walking in front of it, due to the practice of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, and Abu Bakr. As for the rider, it is better for him to walk behind it. And whoever precedes the funeral procession to the place of prayer without accompanying it has missed the virtue of following the funeral, unless he is close enough to it to be considered part of it.