Should You Shift to P Gear or Pull the Handbrake First When Parking an Automatic Car?

[Molly]

When parking an automatic car, it is acceptable to either shift to P gear or pull the handbrake first. However, before shifting to P gear, you must ensure that the car has come to a complete stop, otherwise it may damage the locking mechanism of the automatic transmission. You should never shift to P gear while the car is still in motion. P gear is the parking gear and, like N gear, can be used when parking. After shifting to N gear, there is no locking mechanism to secure the transmission gears, so the car can still move if the handbrake is not engaged. N gear is suitable for short stops without turning off the engine, such as when waiting at a red light. When you shift to P gear, the locking mechanism inside the transmission will secure the gears, effectively locking the wheels in place. In this state, even without the handbrake, the car cannot move. P gear is used when parking and turning off the engine. If you do not shift to P gear before turning off the engine, the car will not shut down properly.