Should I Use P or N Gear When Parking?
3 Answers
When parking, you should use the P gear, which is the parking gear of the vehicle. The N gear is the neutral gear of the vehicle's transmission and is used for temporary parking. Below are detailed introductions of the two gears: 1. P Gear: Parking gear. When the vehicle is parked and not in use, the gear is set here, and the wheels are mechanically locked to prevent rolling. 3. N Gear: Neutral gear. This gear is used for temporary stops (e.g., at a red light). Note that this gear indicates neutral, and to prevent the vehicle from rolling on a slope, you must keep the brake pedal pressed. Typically, when stopping at a red light, you can choose between shifting to N gear or staying in D gear while pressing the brake.
I have over 20 years of driving experience. My usual parking routine is to shift directly to P gear and then apply the handbrake, ensuring the car stays firmly in place without rolling, especially when parking on slopes or inclines—it's very safe. I've encountered friends who, to save trouble, parked in N gear, only to have their cars roll away unnoticed and hit something, resulting in expensive repair bills and compensation costs—it's too risky. My advice to new drivers is to always remember: whenever you turn off the engine and park for more than a few dozen seconds—like waiting outside a supermarket for family shopping or parking at home—always shift to P gear. For brief stops at red lights, shifting to D or N gear can save some fuel, but your foot must remain on the brake to prevent rear-end collisions. Safe driving is paramount—cultivate good habits to protect your beloved car.
As a car enthusiast of the younger generation, I often study driving techniques and understand the principle of transmissions: the P gear has a locking mechanism that grips the gears like a latch to ensure the car doesn't move; the N gear is just a neutral position where the engine's power isn't transmitted to the wheels. During daily commutes when waiting at red lights, I shift to N gear and release the foot brake to save fuel and give the transmission a brief rest. However, for long stops like waiting by the roadside or shopping, I always engage P gear and apply the handbrake to prevent the car from sliding on uneven ground and causing accidents. Developing these habits also extends the vehicle's lifespan and reduces maintenance costs. Driving isn't just about getting from point A to point B; it's about enjoying the mechanical coordination and avoiding blindly imitating lazy tricks mentioned online.
