What is the correct procedure for parking an automatic transmission car?
4 Answers
Correct procedure for parking an automatic transmission car: 1. Apply the brake to slow down to a complete stop; 2. After coming to a full stop, shift to N (Neutral) gear; 3. Engage the parking brake; 4. Release the foot brake and ensure the vehicle is stationary; 5. Press the foot brake again, shift to P (Park) gear, and turn off the engine. It's recommended to refer to your vehicle's owner's manual for specific correct procedures. Common automatic transmission gears include P (Park), N (Neutral), R (Reverse), D (Drive), L (Low), S (Sport), and M (Manual) gears. Among these, P is for parking, N is neutral, R is reverse, D is drive, L is low gear (also called hill climbing gear), S is sport mode, and M is manual mode.
After driving for so many years, I believe the key to parking is ensuring every step is steady. First, slow down and come to a complete stop. Don't rush to release the brake; keep it firmly pressed to prevent the car from moving. Then, engage the handbrake to secure the vehicle, especially on slopes, as it prevents rolling that could harm people or damage other components. Only after confirming the car is firmly stationary should you shift to 'P' (Park) and then turn off the engine. I always make it a habit to look around after parking to check for people or obstacles—safety should always come first. Maintaining this routine has kept me trouble-free and even extends the lifespan of the transmission, such as by regularly checking if the handbrake cable is functioning smoothly. When it comes to driving, being meticulous to avoid accidents brings peace of mind.
As a new car owner, I recently learned how to park an automatic transmission car. At first, there was an incident where I shifted directly to P without engaging the handbrake, and the car slightly moved on level ground, which gave me a scare. Later, after researching, I learned the correct sequence: after coming to a complete stop, keep pressing the brake, engage the handbrake to fully secure the car, then shift to P, and finally turn off the engine. During practice, I repeatedly simulated parking on slopes in a parking lot and discovered that on steep inclines, the handbrake must be pulled tightly to prevent rolling. Safe parking is a fundamental skill, and I gradually built up my confidence. Now, every time I park, I remind myself to check if the dashboard lights are on. Good habits can make driving longer and safer.
When picking up and dropping off my kids at school, I pay special attention to family safety while parking. After stopping the car, I immediately engage the handbrake, confirm it's secure, and then shift to park before turning off the engine. I wait for the engine sound to fade before operating to avoid any vibrations affecting the children. Once, I forgot to engage the handbrake, and the car started sliding on a slope—fortunately, I noticed in time and avoided hitting anyone. That lesson taught me to always engage the handbrake before shifting to park. In daily practice, I also turn off the air conditioning and radio to save battery. Parking isn't the end but the starting point of ensuring safety. The process is simple but requires attentiveness.
