How to Properly Park an Automatic Transmission Car?
2 Answers
The correct method for parking an automatic transmission car is: 1. Press the foot brake to bring the car to a stop; 2. Shift the gear from D (Drive) to N (Neutral); 3. Engage the handbrake and turn off the engine; 4. Release the foot brake, but do not turn off the power; 5. Press the foot brake again and shift the gear from N to P (Park); 6. Release the foot brake and turn the key back; 7. Turn off the power and remove the key. An automatic transmission refers to a system where the driver does not need to manually shift gears; the vehicle automatically selects the appropriate gear based on the driving speed and traffic conditions. The automatic transmission uses the Park (P), Reverse (R), Neutral (N), and Drive (D) gears to meet driving needs.
I've been driving for many years, and safe parking is my top priority. After stopping the car, I adjust my actions based on the scenario. For brief stops like waiting at a red light, after stopping by pressing the brake, I immediately shift to N (neutral) and firmly engage the handbrake. This reduces engine load, saves fuel, and prevents the car from rolling. If I'm parking and turning off the engine, such as at home or the office, I first engage the handbrake to secure the wheels, then shift to P (park), and finally turn off the engine. Parking on slopes requires extra caution—engage the handbrake before shifting to P to prevent the car from sliding and damaging the transmission. I've seen many accidents caused by shifting directly to P without using the handbrake, especially on steep slopes where the car can roll. Developing this habit protects both yourself and others, especially when there are family members or valuable items in the car. Remember, don’t rush when parking—taking it step by step is the safest approach.
