What gear should be engaged for long-term parking?

[LeRobert]

For manual transmission vehicles, shift to neutral and engage the handbrake when parking for an extended period. For automatic transmission vehicles, first engage the handbrake, then shift to P (Park) mode. Below are some important notes regarding gear shifting while driving: 1. Do not shift to N (Neutral) when coasting at high speeds or downhill. Shifting to N (Neutral) while driving at high speeds or downhill may severely damage the transmission. 2. Avoid leaving the vehicle in D (Drive) during long-term parking. When in D (Drive), the vehicle tends to creep forward slightly. Continuously holding the brake pedal to prevent this movement can cause the transmission fluid temperature to rise, leading to fluid degradation. 3. Do not start the engine in any gear other than P (Park) or N (Neutral). Starting the engine in gears other than P or N may not allow the engine to run but could damage the transmission's neutral start switch.

[LaNorah]

I have over a decade of driving experience. From a safety perspective, prolonged parking must be done in P (Park) gear as it locks the transmission to prevent vehicle rolling. Especially on slopes or uneven terrain, relying solely on the handbrake can easily fail, causing wheels to slide and lead to accidents. Remember the parking sequence: first firmly engage the handbrake, then shift to P gear – dual protection for life and property safety. I once witnessed a friend parking in only N (Neutral) gear, resulting in the car rolling downhill and hitting a tree, costing thousands in repairs. Developing this habit has brought me greater peace of mind while driving, and reassures family and friends too. In summary, automatic transmission owners should always choose P gear for parking – that's its intended design purpose.

[StLuke]

I always think about how to protect my car, treating it like a treasure. When parking for a long time, putting it in P gear can reduce transmission wear and avoid extra pressure on internal components. If left in N gear without locking the wheels, the transmission might suffer excessive stress and age prematurely, leading to costly repairs in the future. For manual transmission cars, putting it in first or reverse gear along with the handbrake works well, as the engine helps lock the wheels. I also recommend regularly checking the handbrake to ensure it works properly with P gear. From a cost perspective, proper operation can extend the vehicle's lifespan and save on repair costs, especially when parking on slopes—don’t cut corners.

[DiAdriel]

When I was younger, I made a silly mistake by only engaging the handbrake without shifting into Park (P) when parking in the garage. As a result, the wheels slowly rolled and damaged my neighbor's garden. I was blamed and had to pay compensation afterward, which left me feeling terrible. Now I've learned my lesson: shifting into Park is a must for long-term parking, and for manual transmissions, I also engage a low gear. Simple habits prevent risks—safety is more important than anything else.