Should you shift to P or N gear when parking an automatic transmission car?

[EmilianoFitz]

Automatic transmission cars should be parked in N gear. When parking an automatic transmission car, first stop the vehicle with the foot brake, then shift from D gear to N gear, engage the handbrake, release the foot brake, and turn off the engine. Then, press the foot brake again, shift from N gear to P gear, release the foot brake, and turn off the power to remove the key. This is the safest and most reliable parking method, and it is also the least damaging to the car. Precautions for driving an automatic transmission car: Avoid coasting in neutral. Coasting in neutral in an automatic transmission car does not save fuel. Prolonged coasting in neutral can lead to insufficient oil pressure in the hydraulic lines of the automatic transmission, increasing friction, reducing lubrication effectiveness, and damaging the friction plates inside the transmission. Pay attention to gear shifting when parking. When parking, the method for automatic transmission drivers differs from manual transmission drivers. For automatic transmission cars, when parking or idling for a long time, first press the brake, shift to N gear, engage the handbrake, and release the brake pedal. Once the vehicle is completely stopped, shift to P gear. Be cautious when towing. If an automatic transmission car needs to be towed, it is best to lift the entire vehicle. Be aware of rolling back on slopes. If an automatic transmission car is parked on a steep slope where gravity exceeds the idle power "margin," the car may roll backward. Pay attention to gear shifting while driving. Automatic transmission cars have protection and interlock mechanisms for hazardous actions. Ensure the correct gear when starting the engine. The engine should only be started in P or N gear.

[Louis]

When parking, you should shift to P (Park) gear because it is specifically designed to lock the transmission and prevent the vehicle from rolling, making it suitable for long-term parking or when exiting the car. Shifting to N (Neutral) gear only disengages the engine from the wheels without locking them, which is appropriate only for temporary stops like waiting at a red light. With years of driving experience, I've seen many drivers take shortcuts by using N gear, resulting in rollaways on slopes and causing minor accidents—especially dangerous on rainy days when roads are slippery. Developing a good habit is simple: after coming to a complete stop, first press the brake, engage the parking brake (whether electronic or manual), then shift to P gear and turn off the engine. On steep slopes or uneven surfaces, this sequence reduces stress on the transmission, helping the car last longer. From a safety perspective, shifting to P gear signals other road users that the vehicle is truly stationary.

[StAdriana]

When I first learned automatic transmission, I also struggled with this. Just choose P (Park) when parking - it's like a big lock fixing the wheels to prevent slipping or rolling. In N (Neutral), the car can still move, like on roadside slopes or parking ramps. I once almost hit a divider when the car rolled without brake pressure. For brief stops like traffic lights, N with handbrake works, but always shift to P before exiting. Pro tip: check the gear display is on P before turning off - this habit prevents parking mishaps and saves repair costs long-term.

[ElenaLynn]

Shifting to P (Park) is the standard procedure, while N (Neutral) is only suitable for temporary situations. The P gear has an internal locking mechanism to ensure the vehicle remains stationary; although N gear is easier to shift into, it does not prevent rolling. On flat roads, I directly shift to P when parking, while on slopes, I engage the handbrake first before shifting to P to reduce stress on the transmission. For short stops like waiting at traffic lights, shifting to N with the handbrake engaged is acceptable, but prolonged parking requires P gear. This protects the vehicle while minimizing the risk of accidents. Using the wrong gear may also cause abnormal engine load and increase fuel consumption.