Should I Shift to P or N for Temporary Parking?
3 Answers
For long-term parking, shift to P (Park) gear; for short-term parking, you can shift to N (Neutral) gear. Automatic transmission gears include P, R, N, and D, with their functions as follows: 1. P—Parking: When the vehicle is parked and not in use, placing the gear in this position mechanically locks the wheels to prevent rolling; 2. R—Reverse: Used for reversing the vehicle; 3. N—Neutral: Used for temporary parking (e.g., waiting at a red light). Note that this gear position means the transmission is disengaged, and to prevent the vehicle from rolling on a slope, the brake must be applied; 4. D—Drive: Also known as the driving gear, used when moving forward.
I just started driving an automatic car not long ago, and I always feel unsure whether to shift to P or N gear when temporarily stopping. In the past, when stopping at a red light, I used to shift to P gear, thinking it was safer. But later, my driving instructor said that doing so could easily lead to the transmission being damaged if rear-ended, because the P gear has a locking hook. Now, I shift to N gear and pull the handbrake when stopping, such as at a red light or when dropping someone off at the roadside. The N gear allows the car to rotate freely with less load and also saves some fuel. I only shift to P gear when getting out of the car for a long time. This helps me avoid accidental damage and makes driving much easier. After forming this good habit, I don’t feel tired even in traffic jams. I never thought such a simple choice could bring so much convenience and safety. Remember, no matter which gear you choose, always pull the handbrake to prevent the car from rolling.
As a commuter who drives in the city every day, I've gotten used to shifting to Neutral (N) for temporary stops. When stuck in traffic or at a red light, I shift to N and engage the handbrake. This way, the engine doesn't have to work as hard, saving fuel, and my foot gets a break. Previously, when I used Park (P) to stop, even slight car vibrations made me nervous, and starting up was too slow. Shifting to N for short stops helps protect the transmission gears, preventing excessive wear. My real-world experience: once at an intersection, I used P while waiting for the light, and the car behind bumped into me slightly. Luckily, no major damage, but since then, I've stuck with N as my go-to. This habit is both worry-free and safe. I recommend using it wisely in combination with automatic transmission functions.
