Is it harmful to shift into P gear before the car comes to a complete stop?
4 Answers
Shifting into P gear before the car comes to a complete stop is generally not a problem if it happens occasionally. However, frequently engaging the P gear while the vehicle is in motion can have negative effects on the car. The P gear is a locking mechanism that engages with the transmission gears. Shifting into P gear before the car stops can damage the locking gear, leading to potential issues over time. Typically, the P gear in an automatic transmission is engaged when the vehicle is parked to lock the transmission and prevent the car from rolling on slopes. If the P gear is engaged while driving, it can harm the transmission. In such cases, immediately shift back to a driving gear, slow down, and pull over to stop. Then, restart the car and begin driving from the forward gear. If no unusual noises are heard, there should be no problem. Transmission issues can significantly affect vehicle performance and reduce driving control. To prevent transmission damage, it is crucial to use the P, D, R, and N gears correctly. Remember, the R and P gears in an automatic transmission are meant to be engaged only when the vehicle is stationary. Never shift into P or R gear while the car is in motion.
I know exactly how that feels. Last time I was in a hurry and shifted to P before the car came to a complete stop, resulting in a loud 'clunk' from the transmission that scared me into releasing the foot brake immediately. The mechanic later told me that the parking pawl in an automatic transmission forcibly engages the gear when the speed is above 3 km/h, which can either chip the pawl or even crack the transmission housing in severe cases. Doing this repeatedly can also prematurely wear out the shift mechanism, especially when parking on slopes. I've since developed a habit—fully pressing the brake until the car is completely stationary, waiting for the speedometer to show zero, and only then shifting to P. Though it takes an extra two seconds, it's definitely worth saving thousands in repair costs.
As a veteran driver with ten years of experience, I must say this habit is particularly damaging to the car. The P gear's locking mechanism is designed to secure a stationary vehicle. Forcing it into P while moving is like jamming a stick into a spinning wheel. I once saw a neighbor who always did this end up spending over eight thousand on a major transmission repair. My advice to beginners: remember three steps—come to a complete stop, engage the handbrake, and only then shift to P. On a slope, first shift to N, engage the handbrake, release the foot brake, wait until the car is completely stationary, and then shift to P. This way, the full weight rests on the handbrake, sparing the transmission from undue stress.
You must break this bad habit! Last week when I took our family SUV for maintenance, the repair order stated 'abnormal wear of the parking pawl.' The technician pointed at the transmission and said it was caused by frequently shifting into P gear while the vehicle was still moving. Metal shavings had even mixed into the transmission fluid. Now the repair quote starts at 4,000 yuan, and if the gears get damaged, replacing the entire assembly could cost 30,000 to 40,000 yuan. My advice is to always check the rearview mirror when parking, wait until everything is completely stationary before shifting gears. Don't pay a huge price just to save those few seconds.
