Should You Engage P Mode or Apply the Electronic Parking Brake First When Parking an Automatic Transmission Car?
2 Answers
When parking an automatic transmission car, you should apply the electronic parking brake before shifting to P mode. The correct parking procedure is: 1. Press the brake pedal to bring the car to a smooth stop; 2. Shift the gear from D (Drive) to N (Neutral) and engage the parking brake; 3. While keeping your foot on the brake pedal, shift the gear from N to P (Park); 4. Release the brake pedal and press the one-touch start/stop button to turn off the power. The procedure for starting an automatic transmission car is: 1. Press the start button to unlock the steering wheel's electronic lock; 2. Press the start button to enter the vehicle's self-check state; 3. Press the start button while keeping your foot on the brake pedal; 4. Fasten the seatbelt, press the brake pedal, shift to D (Drive) mode, release the parking brake, and gently press the accelerator to start moving.
I always drive automatic transmission cars and make sure to engage the electronic parking brake before shifting into P gear when parking. This sequence is crucial. Why? Because the P gear is designed to lock the transmission, but it can only handle light pressure. If you shift into P gear first when parked on a slope or under external force, the vehicle's weight will fully press on the transmission gears, which over time can cause internal damage, such as deformation of the locking pin or gears—repairs can be costly. In contrast, the electronic parking brake directly locks the wheels. Once the car is securely stopped, shifting into P gear becomes much easier and doesn’t affect the mechanical structure. I’ve also noticed that most manuals recommend this method, especially when parking on inclines or after reversing. Developing this habit can extend your car’s lifespan. In short, a small change in the operation sequence makes a big difference in protection.
