What causes the gear noise when shifting to P gear before the car comes to a complete stop?
3 Answers
You should only shift to P gear after the car has come to a complete stop. Shifting to P gear while the car is still moving can damage the transmission. The noise you hear is from the gears inside the transmission. Continuing to drive like this will soon require transmission repairs. Related information is as follows: 1. Fuel consumption: Automatic transmission cars do not require gear shifting while driving, whereas manual transmission cars need timely gear shifting to change vehicle speed and engine torque. Automatic transmission cars consume more fuel than their manual counterparts of the same model, approximately 1 liter more per 100 kilometers. 2. Automatic transmission: The biggest advantage of automatic transmission vehicles is convenience, especially in traffic jams. The advantage is even more pronounced when encountering traffic jams on steep slopes.
I noticed you engaged the P (Park) gear before the car came to a complete stop, resulting in gear grinding noise. This is quite common, and I've encountered it a few times over my decade-plus of driving. Typically, it's caused by the parking pawl mechanism forcibly engaging with the moving gears, as it's designed to lock only when the vehicle is fully stationary. Shifting into P while still rolling is like forcing the rotating gears to abruptly mesh with the stationary parking pawl, producing a harsh metallic clunk. Repeatedly doing this can accelerate wear on internal transmission components, such as gear teeth chipping or bearing damage, with repairs often costing thousands. A friend of mine developed this habit and ended up needing premature transmission replacement. To avoid this, cultivate the proper practice: firmly press the brake pedal until the vehicle is completely stationary before shifting to P. This ensures safety and peace of mind. Additionally, scheduling regular transmission maintenance at authorized service centers helps prevent issues, as adopting good driving habits is crucial for long-term vehicle durability.
I enjoy studying automotive mechanical principles in my spare time. The gear noise that occurs when shifting into P before the car comes to a complete stop is mainly caused by the forced engagement of the transmission parking pawl while in motion. In automatic transmission design, the P gear relies on the pawl locking onto the output shaft gear to secure the vehicle. However, shifting while the wheels are moving causes the pawl to impact between gear teeth, producing that distinctive clicking sound. This constitutes significant mechanical shock, which over time may damage transmission bushings or bearings, affecting longevity. I've seen some car owners neglect this issue, ultimately requiring major transmission overhauls. The best practice is: gently apply brakes to ensure zero speed before shifting. Additionally, check if there are any issues with the parking gear position - design flaws in certain models or wear in older vehicles can exacerbate this noise. If it occurs frequently, visit a professional shop to scan transmission data with a diagnostic tool.
