What are the hazards of shifting directly to P gear when parking an automatic transmission car?
3 Answers
Shifting directly to P gear when parking an automatic transmission car can damage the transmission. Relevant information about parking an automatic transmission vehicle is as follows: Principle of P gear parking: The P gear of an automatic transmission vehicle consists of a ratchet and pawl. The ratchet is rigidly connected to the transmission input end, and by inserting the pawl into the gear gap of the ratchet, the vehicle tires can be locked, thereby successfully parking the vehicle. Shifting to N gear and turning off the engine: If the vehicle is shifted to N gear and the engine is turned off, the vehicle is already in a stationary state. The owner quickly pulls the handbrake, and the transmission gear is shifted to P gear. At this time, the ratchet and pawl of the P gear can easily engage without bearing a large load. This parking method is also the safest.
I've been driving for over fifteen years and often see friends shifting directly into P gear when parking, which I find quite dangerous. If the car hasn't completely stopped, shifting gears this way forces the internal gears of the transmission to lock abruptly, creating shock waves. Over time, this can deform the gears and lead to transmission failure. Especially when parking on a slope, the vehicle might roll back slightly, increasing pressure on the transmission and accelerating wear. I recommend developing a good habit: firmly press the brake, come to a complete stop, engage the handbrake, and only then shift into P gear. This not only extends the car's lifespan but also reduces repair costs. I've driven several old cars and avoided major repairs by following this practice. Remember, safe parking isn't just about saving money—it's the foundation of protecting yourself and ensuring safe driving.
As a new driver who just got my license, my instructor emphasized not to shift directly into P when parking. At first, I didn't understand. Once I shifted to P before the car fully stopped, it jerked abruptly, which gave me a scare. Later I learned that engaging P while the vehicle is still moving forces the transmission's parking pawl to engage harshly, potentially damaging it. This could not only lead to transmission failure costing thousands to repair, but also cause accidents. Now I follow the proper sequence every time: brake to a complete stop, engage the parking brake to secure the vehicle, and only then shift to P. This is especially crucial when parking on slopes. Since adopting this habit, my car operates much more smoothly.
