Can I shift directly from D to P when parking?

[LeoAnn]

It is not recommended to shift directly from D to P when parking. The correct method for parking an automatic transmission vehicle is as follows: 1. Press the brake pedal to come to a complete stop; 2. Shift the gear from D to N; 3. Engage the parking brake and turn off the engine; 4. Release the foot brake (but keep the power on) to ensure the vehicle is completely stationary under the parking brake's effect; 5. Press the foot brake again and shift the gear from N to P; 6. Release the foot brake; 7. Turn the key back to the off position and remove it. The procedure for starting an automatic transmission vehicle is: 1. Without pressing the foot brake, press the start button twice to initiate the vehicle's computer system self-check (for at least six seconds); 2. Press the foot brake and push the start/stop button to ignite the engine; 3. Release the foot brake and allow the engine to warm up while stationary; 4. Press the foot brake, release the parking brake, and shift the gear from P to D; 5. Gradually release the foot brake to start moving; 6. Depending on road conditions, smoothly press the accelerator pedal to increase speed.

[CarlosLee]

I've been driving for almost 20 years and have seen plenty of issues caused by this habit. Shifting directly from D to P when parking may seem convenient, but it carries significant risks: if the vehicle still has slight movement during braking or is on uneven ground, the parking pawl can suffer sudden impacts. Over time, this may lead to internal transmission gear damage or parking mechanism failure. I once experienced this on a slope at my neighborhood entrance - the car rolled slightly downhill, and when I started again after shifting, there was noticeable resistance. The correct procedure should be step-by-step: after braking to a complete stop, first shift to N, then engage the parking brake to ensure the vehicle is fully stationary, and finally switch to P. This not only prevents transmission stress but also improves stability in rainy or snowy conditions. Developing this habit takes just two extra seconds, but it protects your vehicle and extends its lifespan.

[Joann]

When I first bought my new car, I used to shift directly from D to P for convenience when parking. As a result, my transmission started making strange noises after just a few months, costing me over a thousand dollars to repair. Since then, I've strictly followed the proper procedure: brake to a complete stop, shift to N, engage the parking brake, release the foot brake to check if the car moves, and only then shift to P. This prevents sudden locking of the transmission gears and reduces wear. The risk is even greater on slopes where gravity can cause slight movement - shifting directly in such situations is particularly hazardous. Skipping these small but crucial steps during daily driving may seem insignificant, but it can lead to accumulated damage, compromising both driving safety and your wallet.

[DelKaden]

The working principle of automatic transmission cars is quite interesting. Shifting directly from D to P while parking can cause mechanical stress: because the D gear is still in the driving state, the P gear needs to insert a locking pin to secure the vehicle. If the car isn't completely stationary, improper gear engagement can easily scratch transmission components. My suggestion is to first brake to a complete stop, shift to N, engage the handbrake to stabilize the car, and then shift to P. This provides a buffer space for the transmission. Pay special attention to this detail when parking on slopes to prevent accidental rolling and damage.