What gear should an automatic car be in when parked?

[DiMaci]

An automatic car should be put in P (Park) gear when parked, and the handbrake should be engaged before shifting to P gear. Things to note when parking and shifting gears: 1. Do not shift into P gear while the engine is running; 2. After the vehicle comes to a complete stop, engage the handbrake first before shifting to P gear, allowing the force to act on the handbrake rather than the P gear. An automatic car is equipped with an automatic transmission. The automatic transmission uses planetary gear sets to change gears and can automatically shift based on the degree of throttle pedal pressure and changes in vehicle speed. The driver only needs to control the speed with the accelerator pedal. Generally, automatic cars have six gear positions, from top to bottom: P, R, N, D, S, and L. Driving an automatic car only requires the use of Park (P), Reverse (R), Neutral (N), and Drive (D) gears to meet the needs of general driving. If encountering special driving conditions, other functional gears may be needed.

[PeterMarie]

A friend asked me about parking an automatic transmission car, and I always say just shift to P (Park) mode, especially when parking near home or for extended periods. Only by shifting to P can the transmission be truly locked, keeping the wheels fixed and preventing the car from rolling. For short stops like at traffic lights, I sometimes shift to N (Neutral) and engage the handbrake to reduce transmission wear, but I still find it safest to habitually use the handbrake. If the gear isn't properly engaged, parking on a slope can lead to accidents—I once nearly scraped my neighbor's shop wall. So now, every time I park, I make sure to shift to P and engage the handbrake. Once this habit is formed, it becomes much easier. Automatic transmissions are designed for convenience, but parking rules shouldn’t be taken lightly.

[WalkerLynn]

As someone who enjoys delving into cars, shifting to P (Park) when parking is a fundamental operation. The internal mechanism of the P mode involves a pin locking the transmission gear, ensuring the vehicle remains stationary. The N (Neutral) mode is simply a free gear where the wheels aren’t locked—without engaging the handbrake, the car could easily roll on a slope. I’ve tested this in different road conditions: on flat ground, briefly stopping in N mode with the handbrake engaged is an option, but on steep slopes, prioritizing P mode is a must to protect the transmission and ensure safety. Don’t skip this step in daily driving—cultivate good habits to avoid accidents. For example, always shift to P and engage the handbrake when parking in your home garage after work; over time, this reduces transmission wear. While automatic transmission cars may seem simple, proper operation can extend their lifespan and enhance safety.

[SawyerRose]

Always engage the P (Park) gear when parking, as it's the most reliable setting for automatic transmission vehicles. For brief stops like at traffic lights, you can shift to N (Neutral) and apply the handbrake to prevent rolling. However, for long-term parking, it's essential to engage P gear and additionally apply the handbrake to enhance stability. Pay special attention to this on slopes to avoid the danger of unintended vehicle movement. Develop a consistent parking routine: after coming to a complete stop, shift to P gear, then firmly engage the handbrake before leaving. Safety first is the core principle.