Correct Parking Sequence for Automatic Transmission Vehicles
4 Answers
Automatic transmission parking sequence is as follows: 1. After entering the parking space, first press the brake and shift to N gear, then engage the handbrake, release the foot brake and turn off the engine, finally shift to P gear and remove the key. 2. Automatic transmission, as the name implies, means the driver does not need to manually shift gears - the vehicle will automatically select the appropriate gear based on driving speed and traffic conditions. 3. The gear shifting method for automatic transmission vehicles: first turn on the power without starting the engine, then press the brake and shift gears - not directly to D gear but first to N gear before ignition, then shift from N to D gear, release the handbrake, lift the foot brake and start moving.
The parking sequence is crucial for safety. I've been driving for nearly twenty years and always follow the steps strictly: first, bring the car to a complete stop and hold the brake, then shift to neutral (N) to relieve the transmission, followed by engaging the handbrake or electronic parking brake to ensure the car doesn't roll, especially on slopes where I double-check. After waiting a few seconds to confirm the car is stationary, finally shift into park (P) and turn off the engine. Why? Because shifting directly into P makes the transmission bear the vehicle's weight, which is even riskier on inclines and can lead to jamming or part damage. I once had to rescue a friend's car on a slope due to this mistake. Developing this habit saves lives and repair costs—don't underestimate these small actions.
When I was a new driver, I often parked carelessly by directly shifting to P and turning off the engine, which nearly caused an accident on a garage slope—the car rolled back half a meter, terrifying me. Now I've learned better: I must come to a complete stop with the brake, shift to neutral (N), engage the handbrake to secure the car, and only after ensuring the car doesn't move do I shift to P and turn off the engine. The neutral step is crucial—new drivers often overlook it, thinking P is all-powerful, but P only locks the transmission gears; preventing slippage relies on the handbrake. It's important to make this a habit even on flat ground to avoid panic in emergencies. My instructor said this protects the car and brings peace of mind, and I've maintained a flawless record for three months now.
I pay attention to vehicle maintenance, and the core of the parking sequence is to protect the transmission. After stopping the car by braking, shift to neutral (N), let the handbrake bear the weight, and then switch to park (P) before turning off the engine—this ensures the transmission is free from pressure, reducing wear over long-term use. Directly shifting to P while the car is still moving forces the transmission to bear the vehicle's load, which may lead to internal deformation, abnormal noises, and costly repairs. Every time I park, I focus on this step, especially on inclined surfaces, waiting a few extra seconds to ensure safety. This simple habit can extend the transmission's lifespan by several years, making driving smoother and more worry-free.
