What is the correct sequence of operations when parking?
2 Answers
The correct sequence of operations for parking is as follows: 1. For manual transmission vehicles, when parking, first press the brake pedal and wait for the vehicle speed to gradually decrease. Then, press the clutch pedal and shift to neutral. After the vehicle comes to a complete stop, engage the handbrake, turn off the engine, and remove the key. 2. For automatic transmission vehicles, when parking, first press the brake pedal and wait for the vehicle to come to a complete stop. Then, shift the gear from D (Drive) to N (Neutral), engage the handbrake, and finally turn off the engine. After the engine is off, shift the gear to P (Park). Automatic transmission does not require manual gear shifting while driving. The control system of the automatic transmission automatically selects the appropriate gear based on the engine speed and load, replacing the driver's subjective judgment of timing and gear shifting operations.
I always park with extra care, having driven for decades and knowing safety comes first. First, find a suitable parking spot—preferably flat and open, avoiding slopes. Then, turn on the indicator to signal to vehicles behind that I'm pulling over, gradually slowing down and keeping the steering wheel steady without sharp turns. Brake gently to avoid excessive tire wear. Once parked, promptly engage the handbrake to ensure the car doesn't move. For automatic transmissions, shift to 'P' (Park), and for manual transmissions, shift to neutral. Before turning off the engine, check that windows and doors are securely closed to deter theft. Finally, before exiting, check both mirrors and blind spots to confirm no pedestrians or vehicles are passing before opening the door. Skipping steps can lead to minor mishaps—like last time when I forgot the handbrake and the car rolled slightly into a wall, luckily without damage. Developing this habit saves a lot of hassle and may even lower insurance costs.
