What are the hazards of shifting directly from R to P gear?
3 Answers
Hazards include the P gear directly locking the gears. When the gears are rotating at high speed, they are suddenly caught by the hook of the P gear, causing the wheels to lock instantly or the gears to be damaged directly. Below is an introduction to car gears: 1. P gear: P is used for parking. It uses a mechanical device to lock the rotating parts of the car, preventing the car from moving. When the engine is running, as long as the gear lever is in the driving position, an automatic transmission car can move easily. When parking, the gear lever must be shifted into the P position, thereby locking the output shaft through the internal parking brake device of the transmission and tightening the hand brake to prevent the car from moving. When the car needs to stay in a fixed position for a long time or before leaving the vehicle after parking, the hand brake should be pulled and the lever pushed into the "P" position. 2. R reverse gear: R gear should be used when reversing. Automatic transmission cars do not have the semi-clutch function like manual transmission cars, so special attention should be paid to the control of the accelerator pedal when reversing. Usually, the safety button on the lever must be pressed to move the lever to the "R" gear. It is important to note that when the vehicle has not completely stopped, it is absolutely not allowed to forcibly shift to the "R" gear, otherwise the transmission will be severely damaged.
Shifting directly from R to P gear is the most damaging to the transmission. Doing this while the car is still reversing or has slight movement forces the transmission's locking pin to abruptly engage the gears, potentially cracking or breaking the pin instantly. Repeated occurrences can lead to internal transmission issues, such as gear slippage or severe noise, signaling it's time for a replacement. Repairs can cost anywhere from a few thousand to over ten thousand, making it particularly not worth the risk. I recall a friend whose car was ruined this way. After repairs, they had to change their habit: shifting to N gear to come to a complete stop after reversing, then switching to P gear. This practice ensures the transmission's longevity. Developing this sequence while driving isn't troublesome—it takes an extra second but saves both peace of mind and money.
This operation poses significant safety hazards. If you shift directly into P (Park) after reversing on a slope, the vehicle may lock before coming to a complete stop, leading to risks of rolling or losing control. I once had a close call where I nearly hit the car behind me, but fortunately managed to brake in time. Doing this regularly can also accelerate transmission wear, as excessive force on the gears when parking increases the risk of mechanical failure. Remember to shift into N (Neutral) first after reversing to ensure the vehicle is completely stationary, then engage P (Park) for safety. Developing good habits isn't just about protecting your car—it's about ensuring the safety of yourself and your passengers.
