Can I Shift Directly to P Gear When Parking?
3 Answers
You can shift directly to P gear after parking. Gear Introduction: Automatic transmission does not require the driver to manually shift gears. The vehicle will automatically select the appropriate gear based on the driving speed and traffic conditions. Generally, there are six gear positions on an automatic transmission car, from top to bottom: P, R, N, D, S, L. Function of P Gear: P gear is used for parking. It utilizes a mechanical device to lock the rotating part of the car, preventing the vehicle from moving. When the engine is running, as long as the gear lever is in the driving position, the automatic transmission car can move easily. When parking, the gear lever must be shifted to the P position, which locks the output shaft through the internal parking brake device of the transmission and tightens the handbrake to prevent the car from moving. When the car needs to stay in a fixed position for a long time or before leaving the vehicle after parking, the handbrake should be properly engaged, and the gear lever should be pushed into the "P" position.
I used to be confused about this issue when I first started learning to drive. My friend told me that parking directly in P gear is indeed acceptable, especially in flat parking lots, as it's simple and convenient. However, I later learned that automatic transmissions have a locking mechanism. When in P gear, the gears are engaged, and if parked on a slope without engaging the handbrake, you might hear unusual noises or even cause damage when shifting gears next time. I tried it a few times—on flat roads, going straight into P gear was fine, but on slopes, I had to pull up the handbrake before shifting to avoid excessive load from vehicle slippage. Developing good habits in daily driving can extend the transmission's lifespan and reduce repair hassles. Driving is a learning process, and observing and consulting experienced drivers is very helpful.
As someone who has been driving for years, my usual parking routine is to first stabilize the car, engage the electronic parking brake, and then gently push into P gear. Occasionally going straight into P gear on flat urban roads is fine—it doesn’t affect daily use. But don’t get lazy on steep slopes, as the locking mechanism can easily jam, leading to rough gear shifts or startup difficulties. The transmission is the heart of a car, and proper care saves headaches. I often remind family and friends: taking that extra second to engage the handbrake when parking is both safer and more convenient.
