What are the consequences of shifting into P gear before the car comes to a complete stop?
2 Answers
Shifting into P gear before the car comes to a complete stop can damage the transmission gears. For automatic transmission vehicles, engaging the P gear before the car fully stops puts significant pressure on the transmission's locking mechanism. Since the gears are still moving at this point, directly shifting into P gear can easily damage the transmission gears. The P gear is the parking gear or start gear, used when the car is parked and not in use. In this position, the wheels are mechanically locked to prevent rolling. The D gear is used for driving, also known as the drive gear, for forward movement. The N gear is the neutral gear, used for temporary stops such as waiting at a red light. To prevent the car from rolling on a slope, always keep the brake pedal pressed. The R gear is the reverse gear, used for backing up.
Last time I watched a mechanic disassemble a transmission, I realized that engaging the P (Park) gear actually relies on a metal hook locking onto a gear. If you shift into P before the car comes to a complete stop, that hook will clang against the spinning gear. I once saw a fellow car owner do this, and the transmission immediately locked up, leaving the car stranded. It ended up being towed for a major repair costing over 8,000 RMB. Now, when parking on a slope, I always religiously engage the handbrake first, wait a few seconds for the car to come to a complete stop, and only then shift into P. This is especially crucial for CVT-equipped cars, as their transmissions are more delicate. If the locking mechanism’s teeth get damaged, the entire unit might need replacement. The golden rule for parking is the sequence: 'press the brake pedal - engage the handbrake - release the foot brake - shift into P.'
