What gear should be engaged for long-term parking?

[VonJuniper]

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.

[DeAdam]

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.

[AnthonyRose]

As a new driver who just learned to drive, I'm always worried about parking issues. My instructor taught me that for long-term parking, I must shift to P (Park) gear, which locks the car in place and prevents unintended movement, making it much more worry-free. For automatic transmissions, it's simple—just push the lever once; for manual transmission cars, shift to neutral and engage the handbrake. Remember to check the dashboard to confirm the correct gear position and avoid forgetting to pull the handbrake, which could lead to rolling. Whether parking in a residential area or a parking lot, especially when leaving the car for several days over the weekend, always follow this procedure. I've heard that not shifting to P gear can accelerate wear on the battery or braking system, increasing maintenance costs—definitely not worth it. Start by forming good habits with simple steps, and over time, it will become second nature.

[VanIsabella]

From a mechanical perspective, the P (Park) gear is designed for prolonged parking situations. The parking gear locks the transmission output shaft to prevent wheel rotation, protecting internal gears from stress. Manual transmission vehicles can achieve a similar effect by shifting to neutral and engaging the handbrake. Leaving the car in D (Drive) or R (Reverse) without shifting gears keeps the drivetrain under constant tension, risking overheating and damage. Remember that environmental factors like temperature fluctuations affect transmission fluid pressure, where the P gear helps maintain stable operating conditions. Always follow the automaker's guidelines to avoid complex issues.