Should You Shift to P or N Gear When Parking an Automatic Transmission Car?
1 Answers
When parking an automatic transmission car, different people have different operating habits. Generally, it is recommended to first shift to N gear, apply the handbrake, and then shift to P gear. For slightly longer parking durations on flat ground, either shifting to P gear first or N gear first is acceptable. During the design phase, as well as subsequent actual testing and production stages, vehicles are engineered to handle various parking scenarios. The locking mechanism and transmission are fully capable of withstanding the braking force generated during parking, and that level of force will not damage the car. For very short parking durations on flat ground, such as waiting at a red light, it is best not to shift to P gear first. Instead, it is advisable to shift to N gear and apply the handbrake or stay in D gear while pressing the brake. Shifting to P gear locks the transmission gears completely, and in the event of a collision, this can easily lead to gear tooth breakage or transmission damage. When parking on uneven or sloped roads, due to the complex road conditions and the risk of the car rolling, it is recommended to stop the car while pressing the brake, then shift to N gear, apply the handbrake, and finally shift to P gear.
