What are the steps for parking an automatic transmission car?
2 Answers
Steps for parking an automatic transmission car: 1. After reaching the parking spot, press the brake pedal until the vehicle comes to a complete stop; 2. Shift the gear lever into N (Neutral) and keep the brake pedal pressed; 3. Engage the handbrake, adjusting the tightness based on the ground's level—for example, pull it tighter when parking on a slope; 4. Once the vehicle is stationary, press the brake pedal again and shift into P (Park). Introduction to automatic transmission gears: 1. P stands for Park; 2. R is Reverse, used for backing up; 3. N is Neutral; 4. D is Drive; 5. 2 is Low gear, also known as a limiting gear; 6. 1 is the lowest forward gear.
For me, parking an automatic transmission car is like a must-learn skill for beginners. I remember my instructor taught me to first bring the car to a complete stop, keep my foot on the brake, and then shift directly to P, which is the parking gear. Then, pull up the handbrake—if it's an electronic one, even better, just press the button. Only after that should you turn off the engine, remove the key, or press the button to shut it down. Don’t underestimate these steps; getting the order wrong can easily damage the transmission, especially if you forget the handbrake on a slope and the car rolls away. Common mistakes beginners make include shifting to P before the car is fully stopped or forgetting the handbrake. Once you develop the habit, parking becomes quick and safe, and it can even extend the vehicle's lifespan. I always double-check everything before getting out of the car.