Does coasting in P gear damage the car?

[McEllie]

Coasting in P gear can harm the car. Here are the relevant details: 1. Damage: The P gear in an automatic transmission car brakes the vehicle by engaging a locking plate into the gears, so forcibly moving the car may damage the automatic transmission gears. 2. External force: When the car is in P gear, it generally won't move unless subjected to significant external force. For example, if the car is rear-ended while in P gear, it could damage the transmission. Therefore, if an accident occurs, the automatic transmission should be inspected and repaired.

[VanZane]

Having driven automatic transmission cars for over a decade, I know that rolling in P gear can indeed harm the vehicle. The P gear primarily fixes the car by locking the transmission gears and isn't designed to withstand moving pressure. If your car rolls after parking on a slope or uneven ground, the locking mechanism will bear excessive load, potentially damaging the gears or internal components, leading to costly and troublesome repairs. Transmission repairs can easily cost thousands and affect driving safety. My advice is to first use the foot brake or handbrake to bring the car to a complete stop before shifting to P gear to reduce transmission strain. Pay extra attention to turning the wheels to a safe direction when parking on slopes, and placing a stone against the wheels adds extra security. Developing good habits can protect your car and extend its lifespan.

[HazelLee]

When I first bought my car, I often just put it in P gear and left without pulling the handbrake for convenience. Once, on a small slope, the car rolled a few steps, and afterwards, there was a clicking sound when starting. I took it to the repair shop and found slight damage to the transmission, which cost me a lot of money. That's when I realized that rolling in P gear can really harm the car. It relies on a mechanical lock to stay in place, and when the vehicle moves, it can rub or impact the gears, leading to premature wear. For daily parking, it's essential to use the parking brake to ensure the car is stable. Especially on icy days or steep slopes, always pull the handbrake first to secure the car before shifting to P gear. A small oversight can ruin the transmission—don’t regret it like I did. Just be diligent with checks and maintenance.

[DeGabriela]

Engaging the P gear while the car is moving can definitely damage the vehicle. The transmission locking mechanism is fragile and prone to breaking under force when in motion. This poses significant safety risks—if the mechanism locks up and causes a loss of control, the repair costs can be high. Always use the brake when parking; don't rely solely on the P gear.

[PresleyLee]

I recommend that car owners develop the correct parking sequence. Slipping in P gear can damage the car by increasing the load on the transmission. Prevention is simple: first, brake to stop the car steadily, engage the handbrake or foot brake, and then shift to P gear. When parking on a slope, turn the wheels to the safe direction and use wheel chocks to reduce pressure. Regular checks of fluids and components can extend the lifespan through proper maintenance.

[VonArcher]

Many people mistakenly believe that the P gear does not harm the car, but in fact, it is designed for stationary use. Rolling the car puts pressure on it, leading to internal wear and breakage. The correct practice is to stop the car completely, use the parking brake to assist, and then shift to P gear, saving on repair costs and ensuring the car's safety.