What gear should an automatic car be in when parked?

[StMadelyn]

An automatic car should be put in P (Park) gear when parked. The correct procedure for parking an automatic car is: after the car is in the parking position, hold the brake and shift to N (Neutral) gear, engage the handbrake, release the foot brake and then turn off the engine, finally shift to P gear and remove the key. Automatic transmissions have two gears for parking: P and N. From the perspective of the transmission structure, both gears can be used for long-term parking. The actual difference between P and N gears is the locking mechanism of the pawl and ratchet system. As long as the key can be inserted and removed and the engine can be started in neutral, there is no problem. To park securely, just tighten the handbrake.

[StChase]

I've been driving for over a decade and always make it a habit to shift into P (Park) when parking, ensuring the car stays firmly in place without rolling downhill. Especially on mountain roads or slopes, I follow this sequence: first firmly press the brake pedal, then shift to Park, and finally engage the handbrake—double protection against slipping. The P mode is designed to lock the transmission system, preventing wheels from moving freely—safety always comes first. If you accidentally shift to Neutral (N), relying solely on brakes might fail, posing significant risks. As a side note on startup procedure: press brake → shift to D (Drive) → release brake to move off. Developing standardized operations protects the transmission system, preventing premature component wear—saving both money and hassle. Regularly inspect brake pads to ensure emergency reliability—this is veteran driver's wisdom.

[DelCody]

As a car enthusiast who loves to delve into automotive details, I understand the principle of automatic transmission parking: the P (Park) gear locks the output shaft internally, providing the best anti-roll effect. Neutral parking only cuts off power, but on slopes or slippery roads, the wheels may slip and cause accidents. Leaving the car in D (Drive) while stationary wastes fuel and damages the engine, increasing maintenance costs over time. The vehicle manual emphasizes that engaging P gear is the standard practice, and modern models come with reminder systems to assist. Remember to press the brake firmly and come to a complete stop before shifting into gear, and reverse the sequence when starting to avoid jerks. On a related note, regular transmission fluid maintenance can extend its lifespan and ensure smooth operation.

[BarrettRose]

As a beginner who just started learning to drive, my coach repeatedly taught me to shift into P (Park) when parking. It's simple: press the brake to bring the car to a complete stop, move the gear lever to the parking position, and engage the handbrake. The P gear prevents the car from rolling away, making it both safe and practical. Accidentally shifting into other gears like D (Drive) or N (Neutral) might cause the car to move, leading to potential issues. Remember this sequence during practice, and it will become a habit. Related tip: for automatic transmission cars, shift into P before turning off the engine after stopping, and when starting, press the brake and shift to D before driving.

[DeJackson]

Emphasizing vehicle maintenance, I always engage the P (Park) gear when parking to protect the transmission. This prevents excessive mechanical wear and extends overall lifespan. Neutral parking only saves temporary hassle, but leaves the drivetrain unlocked, potentially causing premature damage due to loosening. On slopes, applying the handbrake before shifting to P is more secure. When discussing maintenance costs, adhering to proper procedures reduces replacement expenses. The same applies to starting: come to a complete stop before shifting gears—don't cut corners on details.