What gear should be engaged when parking a car downhill?

[LaLuke]

For manual transmission vehicles, it is more appropriate to maintain the gear between second and third when going downhill. On steep slopes, the lower the gear, the safer it is. The key factor in selecting the gear for a manual transmission when going downhill lies more in the angle of the slope. Additional information: 1. Do not turn the steering wheel sharply on downhill sections, as the high inertia and speed, combined with improper steering wheel use, can easily lead to a rollover. 2. If there is an uphill section after the downhill, prepare to accelerate as you approach the bottom of the slope by releasing the brake pedal in time and shifting to a higher gear at the appropriate moment. 3. Maintain a distance of more than 50 meters from the vehicle in front. If the slope is too long and the vehicle's inertia is high, the distance between vehicles should be appropriately increased.

[SanEsther]

I remember driving for so many years, I always have to be extra careful when parking on a downhill slope. For manual transmission cars, it's safest to usually put it in reverse or first gear, so the engine resistance can hold the car and prevent it from sliding down and causing an accident. For automatic transmissions, it's simpler—just shift directly into P (Park). This is really important. I once encountered this on a mountain road—I forgot to shift gears, and the car almost rolled downhill. Luckily, the handbrake was pulled tight. Actually, it’s not just about the gear—the handbrake also needs to be secure. For some older cars, you even have to check if the brake pads are worn out. During regular maintenance, pay extra attention to the tires and braking system. Developing this habit can save a lot of trouble—safety first, after all.

[DiAdaline]

As someone who frequently drives long distances, I believe safety should be the top priority when parking on a slope. For manual transmission cars, I always shift into reverse gear because it provides the strongest resistance and the best anti-slip effect. For automatic transmission cars, I simply put it in P mode. The key is not to be careless—if the slope is steep, relying solely on the handbrake isn't enough. I remember one time parking on a rainy slope when the car rolled back half a meter because the gear wasn't set properly, which gave me quite a scare. So, I recommend checking the road's incline before parking. On steeper slopes, use the lowest gear and make sure the handbrake is secure, with the tires not stuck in any depressions. Putting in a little extra effort for safety is always worth it.

[DiColin]

When I was learning to drive, my instructor taught me not to be lazy when parking on a slope. For manual transmissions, put it in first gear or reverse, and for automatic transmissions, put it in P (Park) to lock the wheels and prevent rolling. Always engage the parking brake properly, otherwise there's a risk. On flatter surfaces in the city, you might get away with being less careful, but on steep slopes, you need to be cautious. Developing this habit can save you from trouble later on.