What is the correct parking procedure for an automatic transmission car?

[VanAriel]

The correct parking procedure for an automatic transmission car is: 1. First, press the brake pedal and wait for the car to come to a complete stop; 2. Shift the gear from D (Drive) to N (Neutral), then engage the handbrake; 3. Finally, turn off the engine, and after the engine is off, shift the gear to P (Park). Modern car technology is highly advanced, and automatic transmission cars can generally be turned off in either N or P gear without causing damage to the engine. Although P gear is the parking gear, it should not be used as a substitute for the handbrake. When parking on a slope, while shifting to P gear can keep the car stationary, it is advisable to also use the handbrake to prevent the car from rolling, especially on steeper inclines.

[ArabellaAnn]

I've been driving automatic transmission cars for decades, and I think the correct steps for parking are quite important. First, firmly press the brake to bring the car to a complete stop—don’t rush, especially on slopes or at traffic lights. Next, don’t shift directly into P (Park). I always shift to neutral (N) first, then firmly engage the handbrake to ensure the car is securely stationary. This significantly reduces stress on the transmission and protects the vehicle’s core components. After that, shift into P, and finally turn off the engine. I remember once when parking on a steep slope, my son was in a hurry to get out and forgot to engage the handbrake before shifting, damaging the transmission and costing over a thousand dollars to repair. Since then, he’s adopted my method. Developing this habit not only extends the car’s lifespan but also ensures greater safety and reliability in emergencies. As an experienced driver, I always emphasize the importance of these details when teaching beginners.

[McTessa]

As a new driver, I used to make mistakes with automatic parking right after getting my license, thinking that shifting to P gear would solve everything. Later, a friend taught me the correct sequence: after stopping, firmly press the brake, don't rush to move, then shift to N gear to release the transmission slightly, and finally engage the handbrake to secure the car, especially on slopes—pull the handbrake first before shifting to P gear to avoid rolling or damaging anything. Finally, turn off the engine. I tried this a few times on a slope in a mall parking lot, and the car stayed perfectly stable without any issues. It felt even more effective than the tips from the beginner's guide. In daily driving, I also checked the electronic parking brake system in my car to ensure it works reliably in winter or after rain. Sharing this with fellow beginners like me: don't be afraid to learn slowly. These small steps can make your driving safer and more worry-free, and even mechanics praise this habit.

[StJayla]

As a car enthusiast, I pay great attention to the correct procedure for parking an automatic transmission vehicle. The basic steps are: stop and press the brake, shift to N (Neutral) to relieve mechanical stress, immediately engage the handbrake to lock the wheels, then shift to P (Park) and turn off the engine. The key point is to protect the transmission, especially when parking on a slope. You must engage the handbrake as the first step; otherwise, the P gear will bear the weight and damage components. I've also noticed differences among various models, such as SUVs with auto-hold functionality—the operation is similar, but manual control gives me more peace of mind. Here's a tip: avoid leaving the car in P gear without engaging the handbrake for extended periods. This habit can extend your car's lifespan by a decade—no exaggeration. For car enthusiasts like me, this practice combined with regular maintenance is a money-saving trick.

[VonLouis]

As a homemaker, my biggest concern when parking is the safety of my children. The correct way to park an automatic transmission car is: gently press the brake to stop steadily, shift to N gear to buffer the transmission pressure, firmly pull up the handbrake to ensure the car doesn't roll, then shift to P gear and turn off the engine. On slopes, I pay extra attention to pulling the handbrake first before shifting gears to avoid accidents. When picking up the kids from school, I always choose flat parking spots for easier and more effortless operation. Since adopting this habit, my car hasn't had any issues, and even checking the brake system during maintenance has become much easier. After teaching my husband, the whole family finds it more convenient and safer.