What gear should an automatic car be in when parked with the AC on?
2 Answers
Put it in P gear. The following is a related introduction to the gears of an automatic car: 1. R gear: The reverse gear of an automatic car. After shifting into R gear, the car will generate backward traction, which is used for reversing into parking spaces and parallel parking. 2. N gear: The neutral gear of an automatic car. Unlike manual cars, it does not completely disconnect the transmission from the engine and can only be used briefly when waiting at traffic lights. 3. D gear: The drive gear of an automatic car. Simply shift into D gear, press the accelerator to speed up, and press the brake to slow down to drive the vehicle. 4. S gear: The sport gear of an automatic car. It allows the car to unleash stronger power and acceleration, and is used on highways and in congested road sections. 5. L gear: The low gear of an automatic car, also known as the climbing gear. It can reduce the car's speed to ensure the engine delivers powerful force, often used on bumpy roads or when climbing long slopes to provide sufficient power.
When I park and turn on the air conditioning in the car, I always choose to shift to P (Park) gear because it locks the wheels, preventing accidental sliding on slopes or at red lights. Running the AC increases engine load, but P gear keeps the vehicle stable without putting extra strain on the transmission. One summer, I almost had my car slide while idling in D (Drive) gear with the AC on, but fortunately, I shifted back to P gear in time. This relates to driving safety: prolonged idling without opening windows can make the air stale, so I recommend cracking a window for ventilation. Regularly checking the vehicle's condition, such as the cooling system, can also prevent AC malfunctions. The key is to develop the habit of stepping on the brake, shifting to P gear after ignition, and then turning on the AC—safe and hassle-free.
