Should You Use N or P Gear When Parking?
2 Answers
When parking, use N gear. The correct method for parking an automatic transmission vehicle is: 1. After reaching the parking spot, press the brake until the vehicle comes to a complete stop; 2. Shift the gear lever into N gear, keeping the brake pressed at this time; 3. Engage the handbrake, then release the foot brake; 4. After ensuring the vehicle is stationary, press the brake again and shift into P gear, then exit the vehicle and lock it. The starting procedure for an automatic transmission vehicle is: 1. After sitting in the driver's seat, press the start button to illuminate the ACC light; 2. Press the start button again for the vehicle self-check; 3. Press the brake and press the start button to ignite the engine; 4. Press the foot brake, shift into D gear, and release the handbrake.
Just decisively shift to P (Park) when parking. I've driven a taxi for twenty years and seen too many beginners struggle with this. P stands for Parking gear - engaging it activates a small hook inside the transmission that physically locks the gears, giving your car double protection. At traffic lights lasting over 30 seconds, I shift to N (Neutral) to save fuel and reduce transmission strain. Never engage P first when parking on slopes - take my advice: the correct sequence is to keep your foot on the brake, firmly apply the parking brake, release the foot brake to confirm the vehicle is stationary, then shift to P. Last month's accident car towed to our repair shop had its transmission gears completely destroyed because the driver engaged P on a slope without using the parking brake. Developing good habits is absolutely crucial.
