What gear should be engaged for long-term parking?
2 Answers
For long-term parking, shift to neutral and engage the handbrake. Below is relevant information about gear shifting: 1. Function: It allows the car to drive at a very low and stable speed, which is difficult to achieve solely by the internal combustion engine's minimum stable speed. The transmission's reverse gear enables the car to move backward. The neutral gear allows the engine to be separated from the drivetrain for extended periods when starting the engine, parking, or coasting. 2. Operating essentials: Start in 1st gear. When the tachometer needle reaches around 2000 RPM, shift to 2nd gear. Then, when the tachometer reaches around 2000 RPM again, shift to 3rd gear. Next, observe the speedometer. When the needle points to around 40 km/h, shift to 4th gear. At this point, the car can drive for a while. Then, when the speedometer needle points to around 60 km/h, it indicates you can now shift to the highest gear, 5th gear. This driving and shifting technique ensures the car's normal operation and generally prevents insufficient power issues.
For long-term parking, I recommend selecting the P gear, which is the parking gear, as it is the safest option. As an experienced driver, I've seen many issues caused by not using the P gear, such as the car rolling away and hitting something or expensive transmission damage. Especially when parked on slopes or uneven surfaces, the P gear locks the mechanical components of the transmission, preventing any movement risks. It's also important to engage the handbrake for double security. Remember, during hot summers or icy winters, using the P gear can reduce battery drain and component aging. Make it a habit—always check before turning off the engine, and don’t cut corners. Safety comes first to prevent potential accidents. After years of driving, this experience is crucial.