What are the effects of not shifting to P gear when parking?

[VanRose]

You can turn off the car without shifting to P gear before shutting down, but it may damage the transmission and engine. It is recommended to shift to P gear before parking and turning off the engine. P gear mechanically locks the output shaft of the transmission to secure the car, preventing it from moving. Additional information: 1. P gear: P gear is the most common gear in various automatic transmission vehicles, equivalent to locking the manual transmission car in gear. Its function is similar to an auxiliary brake, usually located at the frontmost or rearmost position of the gear lever. It locks the axle via the gear to ensure the vehicle remains stationary on the road. 2. If you brake directly without shifting to P gear: If you brake directly without shifting to P gear, the vehicle may lose its intended braking capability. Therefore, the safest and most secure practice is to shift to P gear after the vehicle has come to a complete stop.

[MacTaylor]

After driving for so many years, I'm well aware of the risks of not shifting to Park (P) when parking. The most immediate issue is that the vehicle may roll, especially when parked on a slope, where the car body is prone to sliding, potentially leading to collision accidents. I once had a relative who forgot to shift gears, causing the car to roll and hit the curb, damaging the tires and costing several hundred dollars to repair. Additionally, the transmission of an automatic car may experience uneven force distribution, leading to internal gear wear over time, which can be costly to fix. Moreover, many vehicles require shifting to P when starting or turning off the engine; otherwise, the key cannot be removed or the engine won't start, a detail easily overlooked. Developing a good habit is simple: always engage the handbrake firmly before shifting to P for peace of mind. Safety first—don't risk big losses for small oversights.

[DeAndrew]

Forgetting to shift into Park (P) when parking is indeed quite dangerous. I've made this mistake myself while driving. The vehicle could start rolling, especially if parked on a slope or uneven ground, potentially sliding into other cars or pedestrians. Mechanically, it can damage the automatic transmission, such as putting excessive stress on the output shaft gears, leading to costly repairs. Starting the car might also become problematic, with the engine often refusing to ignite, particularly in older vehicles. I've developed a double-safety habit: always applying the handbrake and shifting into P, which is simple and worry-free. Don't forget to use wheel chocks in residential areas or parking lots for extra security, preventing minor oversights from turning into major accidents. Regular checks make it a routine—never consider it a hassle.

[DeAdam]

When I was a beginner, I often forgot to shift into P (Park), and the car almost rolled downhill. If you don't engage P (Park), the vehicle cannot be locked and is prone to sliding, which can cause accidental damage. The ignition system of an automatic transmission car often requires the P (Park) position; without it, the car won't start. I recommend developing the habit of confirming the gear position before parking and pulling the handbrake for additional safety—it's simple and effective. Small mistakes can escalate into big problems.