Should You Park First or Shift to P First in an Automatic Transmission?
3 Answers
In an automatic transmission, you should shift to P (Park) before parking. The letter meanings are: P stands for Park, R for Reverse, N for Neutral, D for Drive, L for Low gear, S for Sport mode, and OD for Overdrive. Precautions for automatic transmissions include: 1. Do not shift into P while driving; 2. After driving, you must turn off the engine and shift into P to remove the key; 3. Do not shift into N to coast while driving; 4. When starting the vehicle in P or N, move the gear lever out of P while pressing the brake, turn on the power, shift to N while pressing the brake, and after ignition, shift to D to move forward directly; 5. When switching between N, D, and L gears, there's no need to press the shift button. When shifting from L to lower restricted gears, press the shift button, but when shifting from lower to higher gears, there's no need to press the shift button.
When driving an automatic transmission car, I always make it a habit to come to a complete stop first, firmly pressing the brake pedal with my foot, and only shifting into P (Park) after the car has come to a full stop. The reasoning behind this is simple: shifting into P while the transmission is still moving can cause a shock, potentially damaging the internal gears, and over time, this can lead to hefty repair bills. This is especially true when parking on a slope—if you shift into P while the car is still moving, the transmission's locking mechanism bears significant stress, which can lead to premature wear. Many modern cars also come with an electronic parking brake function, which is typically engaged after shifting into P once the car is fully stopped, reducing the risk of rolling. My experience has taught me that developing this good habit—from starting the car to turning it off in one smooth sequence—makes driving more worry-free and cost-effective, ensuring a smooth and trouble-free trip every time.
As a young person who frequently commutes by car, I always believe that the parking sequence for automatic transmissions should never be taken lightly—the vehicle must come to a complete stop before shifting into P. Most new cars nowadays come equipped with electronic parking systems, making it more convenient to skip the traditional handbrake action. Even so, I insist on pressing the brake pedal all the way down, waiting until the screen shows zero speed, and then shifting into P. The reason is simple: to avoid impact on the transmission system when the car is slightly moving, reducing the chance of unexpected failures. Practicing this when parking in the neighborhood or waiting at traffic lights helps build muscle memory quickly. Occasionally, friends ask me why my car always looks so new—part of the credit goes to these small details, and maintenance becomes easier too.
