What are the main functions of the P gear in a car?
3 Answers
P gear (P (Parking) parking gear, or parking gear) is the most common gear in automatic transmission models, generally located at the front position of the gear shift console, in front of the R gear, aiming to lock the axle when the car is stationary on a slope. The following are introductions to other gears: 1. R: R reverse gear, used for reversing the vehicle. Usually, the safety button on the shift lever must be pressed to move the lever to the "R" gear. It should be noted 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. 2. N: N neutral gear, placing the shift lever in the "N" gear means the power between the engine and the transmission has been cut off. For short stops, the shift lever can be placed in this gear and the hand brake lever can be pulled out, and the right foot can be moved away from the brake pedal for a short rest. 3. D: D drive gear, used for driving on general roads. Due to different designs of models in various countries; the "D" gear generally includes gears from 1 to high gear or 2 to high gear, and will automatically shift according to changes in speed and load. Placing the shift lever in the "D" gear, the driver only needs to control the accelerator pedal to control the speed.
The P gear, after driving for a long time, I found its most crucial function is to lock the car when parking, preventing it from rolling away. Every time I come to a complete stop, I press the brake, shift to P gear, and then pull the handbrake, ensuring a stable parking even on slopes. The P gear is actually a mechanical device in the automatic transmission that locks the wheels by engaging the gears. Normally, when parking on the roadside or in a parking lot, I use P gear before turning off the engine, which is both convenient and safe, much more reliable than relying solely on the foot brake. For short stops, like waiting at a red light, it's best to use N gear with the handbrake to avoid damaging the transmission parts with P gear. In short, developing the habit of using P gear can save trouble and prevent accidents.
As a car owner, I prioritize safety above all, and the role of the P (Park) gear is to prevent the vehicle from rolling. After parking, engaging it locks the transmission, preventing the wheels from turning, which is more secure than relying solely on the handbrake—especially on slopes or icy roads. Once, I forgot to shift into P, and my car slid a few meters, nearly rear-ending my neighbor's vehicle. Since then, I never skip using P. I recommend combining it with the handbrake to avoid excessive strain on the transmission when parked on inclines. For brief stops, like at intersections, use N (Neutral) instead of P to minimize unnecessary wear. Proper use of P ensures safer parking, protecting both your car and pedestrians.
