What Does the P in a Car Stand For?

[BeckettAnn]

The P in a car stands for Park, which is the most common gear in automatic transmission models. It is usually located at the frontmost position of the gear shift console, ahead of the R gear. It is primarily used when the vehicle is parked and not in use. When the gear is in this position, the wheels are mechanically locked to prevent rolling. Main uses include: Parking on Flat Ground: Since the P gear functions as both neutral and includes a braking mechanism, engaging P gear directly serves the purpose of parking. When temporarily parked on a level surface, the car's transmission operates in neutral with the P gear engaged, completely interrupting power transmission from the engine to the output shaft. This allows the driver to keep the engine running during brief waiting periods without needing to turn it off. Parking on a Slope: The core function of the P gear is to enable automatic transmission cars to achieve long-term and safe parking on slopes, which is the key role of the P gear in the entire automatic transmission car industry. When parked on flat ground, both automatic and manual transmission cars can remain securely on the road for extended periods using just the handbrake.