Should I shift to N gear or P gear first when parking an automatic transmission car?
2 Answers
When parking an automatic transmission car, you should first shift to N gear and then to P gear. The correct method for parking an automatic transmission car is: 1. Press the foot brake to stop the car; 2. Shift the gear from D gear to N gear; 3. Pull the handbrake and turn off the engine; 4. Release the foot brake without turning off the power; 5. Press the foot brake again and shift the gear from N gear to P gear; 6. Release the foot brake and turn the key back; 7. Turn off the power and pull out the key. Automatic transmission means that the driver does not need to shift gears manually, as the vehicle will automatically select the appropriate gear based on the driving speed and traffic conditions. Automatic transmission uses Park (P), Reverse (R), Neutral (N), and Drive (D) gears to meet driving needs.
Having driven automatic transmission cars for over 20 years, my experience tells me that the parking sequence is crucial. After coming to a complete stop, I never shift directly into P (Park). Instead, I first shift to N (Neutral), engage the parking brake, wait until the vehicle is completely still, and then shift to P before turning off the engine. This is especially critical on slopes or uneven surfaces because shifting directly to P forces the transmission's parking pawl to bear the full weight of the vehicle, which over time can lead to wear, strange noises, or even damage. Safety-wise, it goes without saying – if the car rolls and hits something, it's no small matter. Developing this habit only takes an extra five seconds but can prevent a lot of trouble and protect your beloved car for longer. Remember, the parking brake is the primary braking force—give your transmission a break, and you'll drive with peace of mind.