What is the correct parking procedure for an automatic transmission?
2 Answers
Automatic transmission is a type of transmission that does not require the driver to manually shift gears; the vehicle automatically selects the appropriate gear based on the driving speed and traffic conditions. The correct parking procedure for an automatic transmission is: place your right foot on the brake, then engage the handbrake, shift into P (Park) gear, lift your right foot, and turn off the engine to complete the process. Generally, automatic transmission cars have six gear positions, arranged from top to bottom as: P (Park), R (Reverse), N (Neutral), D (Drive), S (Sport), and L (Low). Driving an automatic transmission car using only P (Park), R (Reverse), N (Neutral), and D (Drive) gears can fully meet the needs of general driving. However, in some special driving environments, other functional gears may be required.
I've always driven automatic transmission cars and think the parking procedure is both important and simple. Here's the correct sequence: First, bring the car to a complete stop in a flat and safe location, keeping your foot firmly on the brake pedal. Then shift the gear lever from D (Drive) to N (Neutral). Next, engage the parking brake, whether it's an old-fashioned hand lever or a modern electronic button type. Once the car is secured, shift into P (Park). Finally, turn off the engine and remove the key. Remember this sequence, especially when parking on slopes—getting it wrong can put pressure on transmission components, leading to wear and costly repairs over time. Beginners often rush to shift into P, but once you develop the habit, your car will run smoothly without strange noises. Having driven for ten years using this method, my car has never had issues, saving me a lot on maintenance costs. Just five easy-to-remember, practical steps.
