Can You Shift to Neutral After Parking?

[RafaelLee]

When parking, you can shift to either first gear or neutral. For short-term parking, shifting to neutral is acceptable; for long-term parking, you must shift to Park (P), and regardless of the gear chosen, always remember to engage the handbrake. Additionally, parking in first gear is also an option—it won't harm the car and is suitable for specific scenarios. Situations where parking in first gear is appropriate include: 1. For older vehicles, mechanical wear and fatigue in the internal springs and cables of the handbrake can reduce braking effectiveness or even cause failure. In such cases, using first gear alongside the handbrake helps reduce strain on the handbrake, extending its lifespan. 2. When parking on an uphill slope, using first gear + handbrake prevents the car from rolling backward.