What causes the noise when shifting to P gear before the car comes to a complete stop?
2 Answers
Shifting to P gear before the car comes to a complete stop causes noise because the locking mechanism interferes with the gears. When the car is not fully stopped, do not shift into P gear, as it may damage the locking mechanism of the P gear. Automatic transmission cars are equipped with a P gear, which is the parking gear used when stopping and turning off the engine. After shifting into P gear, the car can remain stationary. It is essential to maintain proper usage habits in daily driving to prolong the car's lifespan. Additionally, regular maintenance of your vehicle is crucial, and it is recommended to use genuine fluids and parts during maintenance.
I once tried shifting into P before the car came to a complete stop while driving, and that loud 'click' sound really startled me! Later, a car-savvy friend explained that the parking pawl inside the transmission was trying to engage with the still-rotating gears—it's like forcibly stopping a coasting bicycle. The gear impact causes friction and noise. While it might just be a false alarm in the short term, doing this frequently accelerates wear, potentially deforming the pawl or damaging the gears, with repairs costing thousands. For the car's health, it's best to always wait until the vehicle is fully stopped, engage the handbrake first, then shift to P. Developing this habit extends transmission life and prevents roadside breakdowns, especially since automatic transmissions are more vulnerable.
