What are the correct steps for parking an automatic transmission car?
3 Answers
Correct steps for parking an automatic transmission car are as follows: 1. First, drive the car into a safe parking area. After stopping, keep your foot on the brake, shift the gear to N (Neutral), then engage the handbrake. Wait until the handbrake is properly engaged or the electronic parking brake is securely activated before shifting the gear to P (Park). This parking procedure can help reduce the failure rate of the transmission. 2. When starting the car, first press the brake pedal, then start the engine. Shift the gear to Neutral, release the handbrake, and then shift to the desired driving gear (Drive or Reverse). New drivers should always have an experienced driver in the passenger seat to avoid accidents caused by nervousness.
Having driven an automatic transmission car for over a decade, I always follow the standard parking procedure: first, slow down and press the brake to bring the car to a complete stop. Don’t rush to shift into P (Park) gear, as this can put stress on the transmission. Next, shift into N (Neutral) gear and take a breath, then firmly engage the handbrake to ensure the car doesn’t move, especially on slopes—this step cannot be skipped. Only then shift into P gear to lock the transmission, gradually release the brake, and finally turn off the engine. Many beginners shift directly into P gear and neglect the handbrake, which can lead to transmission issues over time, resulting in costly repairs. After parking, I also make it a habit to check if the windows are fully closed and inspect the tires for any issues. Developing these habits can extend the car’s lifespan. In rainy or snowy weather, I wait a few extra seconds to confirm the handbrake’s effectiveness—safety always comes first.
I'm a seasoned driver, having transitioned from manual to automatic transmissions in my younger days, and I place great emphasis on parking procedures. After coming to a complete stop with the brakes, I make it a habit to first shift into neutral to give the powertrain a rest, then firmly engage the handbrake to secure the vehicle and prevent rollback—especially crucial on inclined surfaces. Only then do I shift into park, gently release the brake pedal, and finally turn off the engine. Some friends take shortcuts by going straight to P, which puts all the pressure on the transmission and over time could warp the gears. I still remember that time in a parking lot when I forgot the handbrake and the car inched forward—gave me a real scare. Nowadays, I always check my surroundings before exiting to ensure safety and never leave valuables behind.
