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

[DelHarley]

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.

[Tessa]

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.

[JoelFitz]

I've learned a valuable lesson from car maintenance: the parking sequence might seem trivial, but it can cause major issues. Engaging P gear first on a slope forces the transmission's locking mechanism to bear the full weight of the vehicle, leading to premature wear or jamming over time. The correct method is to firmly apply the parking brake (electronic button or lever) immediately after stopping, stabilize the vehicle, then shift to P gear. This properly distributes the load and prevents transmission repairs – I've seen numerous cases requiring expensive replacements due to this. I recommend practicing this sequence on flat ground regularly to develop muscle memory. Be especially cautious when parking on slopes: parking brake first, then P gear, which also makes vehicle unlocking smoother. Consistently following this simple practice significantly enhances your car's durability.

[Jordan]

As a female driver, I place greater emphasis on ease of operation and safety. When parking, I always engage the handbrake first before shifting to P (Park). This prevents the transmission from bearing additional stress due to vehicle movement, resulting in smoother starts. Once, I made the mistake of shifting to P first on a slope, which caused the gear lever to hesitate momentarily. Since then, I've strictly followed this sequence: come to a complete stop, press the brake pedal, engage the handbrake to secure the vehicle, and only then shift to P. This habit significantly contributes to prolonging component lifespan, and I frequently share it with my family to ensure worry-free driving for everyone.

[XavierLee]

As a beginner, I also didn't understand the correct sequence for parking an automatic transmission car, but later realized that shifting to P isn't the only fixed method. The proper procedure is: after coming to a complete stop and keeping the brake pedal depressed, first engage the parking brake (electronic or manual), ensure the vehicle doesn't roll, then shift to P. This prevents transmission lock mechanism stress and potential damage on slopes, saving money and ensuring reliability. Through experience, I learned that neglecting this sequence might cause jamming when disengaging. Now I religiously follow this routine every time I park - once it becomes habit, the operation becomes much smoother.

[SimonFitz]

I've been driving for decades and always insist on pulling the handbrake before shifting to P when parking. This sequence might seem trivial to younger drivers, but veteran drivers know it protects the transmission. On slopes, if you shift to P first, the vehicle's weight puts tremendous pressure on that small parking pawl, which can lead to abnormal noises or malfunctions over time. So my method is: after coming to a complete stop, engage the handbrake to secure the position, and only then shift to P. This habit formed in my youth, and now my car still runs like new, saving me considerable repair costs.