What does the P gear in an automatic transmission mean?
2 Answers
Automatic transmission P gear stands for parking gear. The detailed introduction of automatic transmission P gear is as follows: 1. The P in P gear is the first letter of the English word 'park', so in the gear positions of an automatic transmission car, P gear is the symbol for parking gear. When this gear is engaged, the parking lock mechanism locks the transmission output shaft, meaning the car wheels are mechanically locked to prevent rolling. Note: After parking, even if you engage the P gear, never forget to pull the handbrake. 2. In addition to putting the transmission into neutral mode, the P gear also has a pawl inside the transmission that locks the gear on the output shaft to form a mechanical lock, thereby securing the drive axle to fix the vehicle in a stationary or slightly moving state.
The P gear stands for Parking gear, meaning that after the car comes to a complete stop, engaging it will lock the vehicle in place to prevent movement. With over a decade of driving experience, I always make it a habit to shift into P gear when parking in lots or on the roadside—this locks the transmission and prevents accidental rolling. Especially on slopes, simply engaging P gear isn’t enough; I also apply the handbrake for double security. When starting the car, you must press the brake pedal to shift from P to D gear before driving off; otherwise, the vehicle might lurch forward unexpectedly. This gear is highly practical in automatic transmission cars, protecting the transmission from damage. I recall a friend who once parked on a slope, forgot the handbrake, and relied solely on P gear—the car rolled and wrecked the transmission, costing thousands in repairs. Proper use of P gear extends a car’s lifespan, making it crucial to develop good habits.
