Can I shift directly to P gear after parking?

[LaChristian]

You can shift directly to P gear after parking. Relevant information is as follows: 1. Parking method: After the car enters the parking position, step on the brake and shift to N gear, pull up the handbrake, release the foot brake and then turn off the engine, and finally shift to P gear and pull out the key. 2. Transmission: Modern transmissions have two sets of gears. One set is responsible for driving and shifting, while the other set is responsible for parking and locking. When parking, as long as the car does not move, the locking gear does not work, and the driving gear will not function either. In terms of mechanical structure, the P gear and N gear of the transmission are the same gear, the difference is that the P gear adds the engagement of the parking pawl and parking hook, which means that the P gear is also neutral, and the N gear is also neutral, but the P gear has an additional set of parking devices.

[SanWilliam]

After parking, I believe directly shifting into P gear might not be a big issue on flat roads, but it's not recommended on slopes. As someone who has driven automatic transmissions for over a decade, I've found that the P gear's function is to lock the transmission gears. If you shift directly into P gear on a slope, the vehicle's entire weight presses on a small hook, which over time can wear out or deform, leading to major transmission repairs. The best practice is to stop the car completely, keep the foot brake pressed, engage the handbrake to secure the wheels, and then shift into P gear. This dual protection ensures even force distribution on the vehicle, preventing future strange noises or jamming. Especially when parking on a slope in rainy conditions, this method reduces the risk of sliding. Developing this habit extends the vehicle's lifespan, saving money and hassle. Driving an automatic requires some mechanical knowledge—protecting core components is crucial.

[McAutumn]

From a safety perspective, shifting directly into P (Park) after stopping is not an ideal choice, as it may not provide fully reliable parking security. I personally experienced this when I once parked on a slope in a parking lot, shifted directly into P, and got out of the car. A few minutes later, the car slightly moved and bumped into the wall. I regretted not using the handbrake first. In automatic transmission vehicles, the P gear is designed as an auxiliary parking mechanism, but the handbrake is the primary method of securing the car. The correct procedure is: after the car comes to a complete stop, keep your foot on the brake pedal, first engage the handbrake or electronic parking brake to hold the wheels, then shift into P and turn off the engine. This ensures the vehicle remains stationary and prevents rollaway accidents, especially on slopes. Especially when traveling with children, safety comes first. This sequence has become a daily must-do step for me, significantly reducing accidents. A simple action can ensure safety.

[WillowRose]

My experience is, having driven automatic cars for decades, I also used to shift directly to P gear at first, thinking it was convenient. But gradually I noticed, especially when parking on slopes, the vehicle's weight puts extra pressure on the transmission, causing shaking or noise. Later, I changed my habit: after stopping the car, keep the brake pedal pressed, engage the handbrake to secure the car, and then shift to P gear. This way, it doesn't harm the gear system and provides a smoother driving feel. Actually, for short-term parking on flat roads, shifting directly to P gear is fine, but developing good habits in the long run extends the car's lifespan. Just remember the sequence.