Should You Shift to P Gear or Pull the Handbrake First When Parking an Automatic Car?
2 Answers
When parking an automatic car, you should pull the handbrake first. The parking procedure is as follows: 1. After the car comes to a complete stop, shift the gear to N (Neutral); 2. Pull the handbrake and then shift the gear to P (Park), after which you can turn off the engine. The starting procedure for an automatic car is: 1. Press the brake pedal to slow down and stop the car; 2. Shift the gear from D (Drive) to N (Neutral); 3. Pull the handbrake tightly and turn off the engine; 4. Release the foot brake but do not turn off the power; 5. Press the foot brake again and shift the gear from N (Neutral) to P (Park); 6. Release the foot brake; 7. Turn the key back, turn off the power, and remove the key. The gears in an automatic car are: 1. P (Park) is for parking; 2. R (Reverse) is for reversing; 3. N (Neutral) is the neutral gear; 4. D (Drive) is for driving forward; 5. S (Sport) is for sport mode; 6. L (Low) is for low-speed driving; 7. M (Manual) is the manual mode for semi-automatic cars.
As someone who frequently drives in the city, I always make it a habit to engage the parking brake before shifting into P when parking. I remember one time parking on a steep slope, I casually shifted into P first, and later when starting the car, I heard an unusual clicking sound from the transmission—talk about regret. Since then, I strictly follow the sequence: after the car comes to a complete stop, keep the foot brake pressed, engage the parking brake—whether it's electronic or mechanical—to securely hold the car in place and prevent any movement, and only then shift into P. This procedure effectively protects the small gear mechanism in the transmission, preventing it from bearing the full weight of the car, especially on slopes. Now, I also remind my friends to develop this habit and check if the parking brake functions responsively. Not only does this extend the car's lifespan, but it also ensures a safe driving experience. Every time I park, I follow this routine, and my transmission has remained in good condition—saving money and hassle.