Do You Need to Press the Lock Button When Shifting Gears in an Automatic Car?
2 Answers
For gear shifters with regular shift positions: The safety button must be pressed when shifting into or out of P (Park) or R (Reverse) gears, but switching between N (Neutral) and D (Drive) can be done freely without pressing the safety button. For twist-type irregular shift positions, no safety button needs to be pressed. The principle and function of the lock button on an automatic transmission gear lever are purely mechanical, with its primary role being to prevent driver misoperation, especially to avoid accidental forward or backward movement that could cause danger. If the lock button on the automatic transmission gear lever fails to reset while driving, it will not affect shifting between D, N, and S (Sport) gears, but it will affect shifting into P or R gears. Therefore, for safety reasons, you should locate the nearest repair facility and drive the vehicle there slowly and steadily. Additional Notes: 1. When starting an automatic transmission vehicle, the gear must and can only be in P or N. This is because if the gear is in R or D when starting, and the driver forgets to press the brake, the vehicle may move immediately, which can easily lead to accidents. Many manufacturers now design a protection program for automatic transmission vehicles where the vehicle will not start unless the gear is in P or N. 2. Shift to N for short stops at red lights: It is recommended to shift to N for short temporary stops, i.e., shift to N when stopping and engage the handbrake. Of course, if the stop is only for a few seconds, there is no need to shift to N; simply pressing the brake is sufficient.
I've been driving automatic transmission cars for over a decade. In most cases, shifting gears requires pressing that button lock, especially when changing from Park (P) to Reverse (R) or Drive (D). This design prevents accidental operation while driving, like shifting gears when your foot accidentally touches the brake—how dangerous would that be! I remember one rainy day when the road was slippery, and I almost panicked and pulled directly into P gear in the car. Thankfully, the button lock stopped me, avoiding gear clash and potential transmission damage. Also, there are slight differences between car models. Some high-end cars with smart sensing might not require pressing the button as much, but this lock is standard on basic models. If you shift without pressing the button, it can lead to wear and tear on the shifting mechanism over time. I recommend that beginners develop the habit of pressing the brake first, then the button before moving the lever—safety first.
