What is the correct parking procedure for an automatic transmission car?
4 Answers
Correct parking procedure for an automatic transmission car: 1. Press the foot brake to stop the car, shift the gear from D to N; 2. Pull up the handbrake, turn off the engine and release the foot brake, but do not turn off the power; 3. Press the foot brake again, shift the gear from N to P, release the foot brake, turn the key back to turn off the power and pull out the key. Correct starting procedure for an automatic transmission car: 1. Turn the ignition key to the second position (power mode), let the car's computer system self-check for at least 6 seconds, press the foot brake, shift the gear from P to N; 2. Release the foot brake, turn the ignition key to the start position to start the engine; 3. Press the foot brake, release the handbrake, shift the gear from N to D, slowly release the foot brake to start, then smoothly press the accelerator according to road conditions to drive safely.
After driving for so many years, my parking routine has become second nature. First, bring the car to a complete stop and keep your foot on the brake. Then, engage the handbrake or electronic parking brake to secure the wheels. Next, shift into Park (P) and turn off the engine. It's especially important when parking on a slope to engage the handbrake before shifting into P to reduce stress on the transmission and prevent damage. After parking, check that the windows are closed and the headlights are off to avoid draining the battery. Before exiting the vehicle, ensure the surroundings are safe, with no people or vehicles passing by. I follow this routine every time, which not only enhances safety but also extends the car's lifespan—especially for automatic transmission vehicles, making driving worry-free and effortless.
During driving lessons, the instructor emphasized that parking should never be careless. Starting procedure: First, press the brake pedal to bring the car to a complete stop—don’t rush to shift gears. Engage the handbrake firmly and pull it tight. Then shift to P (Park), and finally turn off the engine. In daily driving, I’ve developed the habit of engaging the handbrake first on flat ground to protect the transmission. After parking, always check if the air conditioning is turned off, and be mindful of cabin temperature changes in hot or cold weather. Discussing with friends, we agreed the steps are simple but safety comes first—automatic transmissions are designed for convenience. Once it becomes routine, even long drives feel effortless, reducing tire wear and saving on maintenance costs.
Safety is the top priority when taking children out. When parking, first brake to a complete stop and engage the handbrake to secure the wheels. Shift to P (Park) and turn off the engine. Ensure the vehicle won't move before opening the door. During daily school drop-offs and pick-ups, parking lots are crowded—wait a few extra seconds after parking to check surroundings. Automatic transmissions make operation simple, but the key is not skipping steps to protect your family. Though the procedure is brief, it's practical—never be careless.
