Should an automatic transmission be shifted to P or N for temporary parking?
4 Answers
For temporary parking with an automatic transmission, first shift to N gear, then turn off the engine before shifting to P gear. Below is the correct operating sequence for parking an automatic transmission vehicle: 1. On flat ground, after pressing the brake pedal to bring the vehicle to a complete stop, shift to N gear, then engage the handbrake. Turn off the engine before shifting to P gear. 2. When parking on a slope, you must shift to N gear, firmly engage the handbrake, then release the brake before turning off the engine. If you shift to P gear before turning off the engine, the vehicle may easily roll backward. 3. When starting an automatic transmission vehicle, avoid stomping on the accelerator. It is also not advisable to use N gear for coasting, as this can damage the engine and transmission, causing varying degrees of wear. Additionally, a vehicle without power is in a passive state, compromising safety. 4. If the vehicle is parked on flat ground for an extended period without risk of rolling, you can use N gear for parking. This reduces the burden on the vehicle's mechanisms and extends the lifespan of the internal components of the parking system.
As an experienced driver who frequently drives automatic transmission vehicles, I believe that for temporary stops, such as waiting at a red light or briefly pausing at an intersection, it's best to shift to P (Park) and engage the handbrake. Shifting to P locks the transmission, preventing the car from accidentally moving, especially on slopes. Many people are accustomed to shifting to N (Neutral) and using the handbrake, thinking it's more convenient, but if the slope is steep or the car behind is too close, the vehicle might roll and cause an accident. Having driven various models, I now recommend shifting to P with newer cars equipped with electronic braking systems to ensure safety. Remember, if you're stopping for more than a few seconds, don't idle in D (Drive), as it increases fuel consumption and transmission strain. In short, safety comes first—developing the habit of shifting to P can be a lifesaver in emergencies, so don't cut corners to save effort and increase risks.
From a young driver's perspective, I usually shift to N gear and engage the handbrake for temporary parking, as it feels smoother. I drive to work every day, and during traffic jams or waiting at traffic lights for around half a minute, shifting to N gear reduces startup vibrations and avoids the sudden gear shift noise from P gear. Although P gear is safer on steep slopes, it's unnecessary on flat roads and might even cause minor gear wear. I recommend beginners combine it with the handbrake: shift to N gear for short stops and P gear for longer ones. By the way, with rapid advancements in automatic transmission technology, some models now feature an auto-hold function that can replace N gear control, simplifying the process. Try different methods in daily driving to find what suits you best—don’t rigidly follow the manual.
Having driven for decades, I teach beginners a simple rule: shifting to P gear is the safest for temporary stops. For short waits at traffic lights or roadside pickups, shift to P gear and engage the handbrake to lock the transmission and prevent unintended movement. While shifting to N gear may seem more convenient, it risks rolling on slopes or sudden movements from vehicles ahead, potentially causing accidents. Automatic transmissions are designed with P gear to protect mechanics and reduce gear impact. I've seen many minor accidents from using N gear, like cars rolling into ditches in parking lots when the handbrake was forgotten. Forming this habit takes only seconds—don't cut corners and take risks.
