Is it necessary to shift to neutral when parking?

[VanBryce]

It is necessary to shift to neutral when parking. Below is an introduction regarding gear shifting when parking: Reasons for shifting gears: For vehicles equipped with an engine start-stop function, when waiting at a red light, the engine will enter a shutdown state, meaning there is no idle state that generates impact force. Therefore, there is naturally no need to shift to neutral, eliminating the hassle of frequently switching the transmission. Engine start-stop: The working principle of the engine start-stop is very simple. As long as the brake is firmly pressed or the vehicle remains stationary, the vehicle's engine will temporarily stop working, entering a shutdown state. When the driver releases the brake, the engine will re-enter the working state, allowing the vehicle to continue moving forward.

[LeMadelyn]

I've been driving manual transmission cars for over twenty years and have always made it a habit to shift into neutral when parking. Back when I was learning to drive, my instructor emphasized that leaving the car in gear while stationary, such as in first or reverse, puts continuous pressure on the transmission and clutch, leading to wear and tear over time. For short stops like at traffic lights, I simply shift into neutral and engage the handbrake—it saves fuel and is effortless. For longer stops in garages or on the roadside, I turn off the engine and do the same. On slopes, extra caution is needed: shifting into neutral alone isn't enough; you must firmly engage the handbrake and use wheel chocks to secure the tires, preventing the car from rolling and causing harm or damage. This habit has saved me from several clutch repairs, and most importantly, it reinforces safety awareness—never skip steps for convenience. In summary, shifting into neutral is a great way to protect your car, especially with manual transmissions, where it's a must.

[JuniperDella]

I drive an automatic transmission car to and from work every day, and I rarely shift to neutral when parking—just putting it in P is enough. The automatic transmission is designed for parking, with the P gear locking the transmission shaft, keeping the car stable without the need to shift to neutral unnecessarily. Unless in special situations, like when the car breaks down and needs towing, mechanics might suggest shifting to neutral. For daily stops like waiting at a red light or brief parking, I just keep my foot on the brake—simple and worry-free. If parked on a slope, I engage the handbrake for extra safety, but P gear alone is sufficient. Some people worry about fuel consumption, claiming neutral saves a bit, but I've tested it, and it hardly makes a difference in everyday driving. In short, driving an automatic should simplify life: parking in P is straightforward and effective.

[DiAlex]

When I first got my driver's license and drove a manual transmission car, my instructor always said to shift into neutral when parking. Once, I forgot to shift into first gear and almost rolled backward, so I developed a habit: for short stops like at traffic lights, shift into neutral and pull the handbrake; for longer stops, also turn off the engine. On slopes, I'm even more cautious: neutral, handbrake, plus chocking the tires to ensure safety. This method is simple and effective.