Is it okay to engage the P gear in an automatic transmission car without pulling the handbrake?
1 Answers
It is not advisable to engage the P gear in an automatic transmission car without pulling the handbrake. Doing so will place excessive stress on the P gear locking mechanism, leading to a reduced lifespan of the component. It is recommended to pull the handbrake firmly after engaging the P gear and ensure the car has come to a complete stop before shifting into P gear. Otherwise, the locking mechanism of the P gear may also be damaged. The P gear is the parking gear, designed for parking and turning off the engine. Therefore, all automatic transmission cars are equipped with a P gear. When the P gear is engaged, the locking mechanism secures the gear, effectively locking the wheels indirectly. Without pulling the handbrake after engaging the P gear, the car will still be unable to move. Automatic transmission cars also have an N gear, which can be used when parking. Engaging the N gear disconnects the transmission from the wheels, preventing the engine's power from being transmitted to the wheels. The N gear is suitable for short stops without turning off the engine, such as when waiting at a red light. It is not recommended to use the P gear when waiting at a red light. If the car is rear-ended while in P gear, the automatic transmission may suffer severe damage. Repairing an automatic transmission can be very costly. Therefore, it is important to maintain proper usage habits when driving an automatic transmission car to avoid damaging the transmission.
