What does Park mean on a car?
2 Answers
The full English name of the P gear in a car is Park. When the park indicator light on the vehicle's dashboard is illuminated, it is recommended to check if the vehicle's parking brake is released. If the parking brake has been fully released, it is advisable to visit a professional 4S repair shop for inspection. When the vehicle's parking brake and brake pads have reached their lower limit, it is recommended to replace the brake pads. The parking brake, also known as the electronic handbrake, integrates the temporary braking function during driving with the long-term braking function after parking. It is a technology that achieves parking braking through electronic control. Its working principle is the same as that of a mechanical handbrake, controlling the parking brake through the friction generated between the brake disc and brake pads. The control method changes from a mechanical handbrake lever to an electronic button. The parking gear is the P gear. When you reach your destination or need to park for an extended period, shift the gear lever into this position. Note: The vehicle must be completely stopped before shifting into P gear. Shifting into P gear before the vehicle has fully stopped can cause damage to some mechanical parts of the automatic transmission. When in P gear, the wheels are mechanically locked, preventing the vehicle from moving forward or backward. Therefore, it is essential to shift into P gear when parking on a slope. Additionally, during brief stops (such as at traffic lights), it is best not to shift into P gear to prevent severe damage to the entire transmission in case of a rear-end collision. Here are introductions to other gears: R gear: Reverse means "to turn around" and is used for reversing the vehicle. To reverse, press the safety button on the shift lever to engage the gear. However, it is crucial to ensure the vehicle is completely stopped before performing this operation to avoid severe damage to the transmission. N gear: Neutral means "in the middle" and is also called the neutral gear. At traffic lights, you can shift into this gear and press the brake pedal. If the waiting time is longer, it is recommended to engage the handbrake, allowing your foot to rest off the brake pedal. Many people mistakenly believe that shifting into N gear while coasting downhill or at high speeds can save fuel. This is a serious misconception, as it not only fails to save fuel but can also damage the transmission. D gear: Drive means "to operate" and is the forward gear in a car. Shifting into this gear and pressing the accelerator allows the vehicle to move. In this gear, the transmission automatically shifts based on speed and throttle conditions. At traffic lights, you can remain in D gear while pressing the brake pedal. If the waiting time is short, this is acceptable, but prolonged periods can raise the transmission fluid temperature and degrade the fluid. S gear: Sport means "athletic" and is the sport mode in a car. When shifted into this gear, the transmission delays shifting to provide more power, typically used during overtaking. L gear: Low means "slow speed" and is the low-speed forward gear in a car. When shifted into this gear, the transmission operates only in low gear (equivalent to manual gear 1) and does not automatically switch to other gears based on speed changes. This gear is generally used when climbing or descending slopes. In low gear, the driving wheels output greater torque, providing sufficient power to climb steep slopes. Prolonged braking can cause the brake pads to overheat and reduce braking effectiveness, which is very dangerous on long or steep descents. Shifting into L gear allows the engine's low speed to restrain the vehicle's movement, eliminating the need for constant braking.
The 'Park' gear on a car is essentially the position we use when parking an automatic transmission vehicle, acting as a brake lock. I remember it took me over a decade of driving to truly appreciate how crucial this little feature is. If you don't shift into P when parking, the car can easily roll, especially on mountain roads or slopes—it's safer to also engage the handbrake. Many new drivers forget to use this function, leading to minor accidents. It's advisable to develop the habit of shifting into P before turning off the engine to prolong the transmission's lifespan. This gear was designed to protect the drivetrain, preventing excessive gear wear when parked. If you frequently encounter issues like the car not starting or rolling, it might be due to an aging gear lever or transmission sensor—just get it checked at a repair shop. In short, the P gear makes driving more worry-free and safer.
