Do you need to press the brake when shifting from P to D?

[McAlexis]

You need to press the brake when shifting from P to D. Without pressing the brake, it is impossible to shift from P to D, as the brake pedal must be depressed to release the locking mechanism in the transmission that controls the gear lever. To prevent the driver from accidentally disengaging P and shifting into another gear, which could cause sudden vehicle movement and harm both the vehicle and passengers, engineers have designed a P-lock on the gear selector. This lock prevents P from automatically disengaging, and it will only release when certain conditions are met. The core function of P is to enable safe and secure hill parking for automatic transmission vehicles. In automatic cars, the key can only be removed when the gear is in P, effectively forcing the driver to ensure the vehicle is securely parked before leaving with the key.

[LeClaire]

From a mechanic's perspective, automatic transmission vehicles absolutely require pressing the brake before shifting gears. This safety logic is designed to prevent misoperation, especially when shifting from P to D. Without pressing the brake, you simply can't move the gear lever. I've encountered many car owners complaining about stuck gear shifts, which turned out to be caused by forcing the lever without braking, damaging the shift mechanism. Modern vehicles are basically equipped with shift interlock systems - that small bump only releases when you press the brake, and the solenoid valve unlocks before the gear lever can move. This design is crucial. Last year, there was news about a driver who shifted directly to P without braking at a red light, resulting in a rear-end collision that completely destroyed the transmission. Therefore, developing the habit of pressing the brake with your right foot before shifting actually helps protect the transmission.

[EmiliaDella]

After teaching driving for so many years, I always train my students to develop muscle memory: right foot on the brake → shift gear → release handbrake → start. The danger of shifting from P to D in an automatic transmission without pressing the brake is significant, as the vehicle may suddenly lurch forward. Once, I witnessed a student accidentally touching the gear lever on the driving school grounds; fortunately, the speed was slow, and no accident occurred. Nowadays, many cars have gear protection—you simply can't shift into D without pressing the brake, like some Japanese cars that emit a beeping warning sound. Special attention must be paid when parking on a slope: always tighten the handbrake first before shifting to P, otherwise the transmission's locking pawl will bear the weight. Pressing the brake every time you shift gears during startup can reduce 70% of gearshift mechanism failures.

[VonDaniel]

Last month, I learned a lesson the hard way while driving my friend's new energy vehicle. At a red light, I tried to shift into N gear to save power without pressing the brake, and the central display suddenly flashed a red warning. Later, I found out that electronic gear levers are more sensitive, requiring the brake pedal to be pressed for all gear shifts. Although traditional fuel vehicles with mechanical gear levers can be forced into gear, it can easily damage the shift cable. Once, I shifted gears without pressing the brake in an old American car, and the transmission made a loud clunk. Nowadays, most new cars come standard with shift locks, a safety feature similar to steering wheel locks. A special reminder: operate properly, especially on rainy days. Last year during a heavy rain, I saw a car skid and hit a wall due to improper gear shifting.

[McCarson]

Having driven automatic transmissions for twenty years, my experience is: always step on the brake before moving the gear lever. When shifting from P to D, pressing the brake releases the transmission parking pawl—forcing the lever directly can cause the ratchet to disengage violently, and the metallic clashing sound is heartbreaking. Don’t lazily shift to P at red lights; if rear-ended, the transmission could be destroyed. The right approach is to brake, shift to N, and engage the handbrake, keeping rear movement within safe limits. Once, while helping a neighbor diagnose transmission noise, I found his shift cable deformed from years of gear changes without braking. Remember: the brake isn’t just for slowing down—it’s the safety switch for shifting.