What is the function of the P gear?

[VonAnastasia]

P gear is used for parking. It utilizes a mechanical device to lock the rotating parts of the car, preventing the vehicle from moving. When the car needs to stay in a fixed position for an extended period or before leaving the vehicle after parking, the hand brake should be engaged and the gear lever should be pushed into the "P" position. The introduction of car gears is as follows: 1. P gear: Parking gear. The gear lever can only be moved into this position after the car has come to a complete stop, at which point the drive wheels are mechanically locked. 2. R gear: Reverse gear. The gear lever can only be moved into this position after the car has completely stopped, enabling reverse driving. 3. N gear: Neutral gear. When the gear lever is moved into this position, no power is transmitted to the wheels, and the wheels cannot use engine braking. 4. D gear: Drive gear. When the gear lever is moved into this position, the transmission automatically shifts up and down within the engine speed range. 5. S gear: Sport mode. When the gear lever is moved into this position, the transmission automatically shifts up and down within a higher engine speed range than D gear, fully utilizing the engine's power.

[Karl]

The P gear, well, is the gear you use when parking. Having driven for over a decade, I always make it a habit to shift into P gear before turning off the engine and leaving the car. This completely locks the wheels, especially useful when parking on a slope to prevent the car from rolling—super safe. I've seen quite a few drivers shift into P gear at red lights, which is totally unnecessary and can actually harm the transmission. The right way is to just step on the brake for short stops; for longer stops, use the handbrake in combination. After all, the locking mechanism in P gear is just a small hook engaging with the transmission gear, and relying on it to bear the load for too long can cause wear. Remember, before starting the car, you should also shift to N or D gear first; starting directly from P gear isn't good for the car.

[ChristopherFitz]

When repairing cars, I've seen the dismantled structure of the transmission. The P (Park) gear actually relies on a metal pawl to lock the transmission gear and secure the vehicle. The design intention is to prevent the car from moving unexpectedly when parked, especially on slopes to avoid rolling and harming pedestrians. However, don't use it as a substitute for the handbrake. Many car owners think engaging P gear can save them from using the handbrake, resulting in relying solely on this small hook to hold the car on slopes, which is particularly damaging to the transmission. In our shop, we often encounter situations where the P gear won't engage, mostly due to deformed pawls or broken springs, usually caused by drivers forcing the gear lever before the car has completely stopped.

[LaBrody]

Novice drivers should pay special attention to the timing of using the P gear. Instructors always emphasize not to shift into P gear casually unless you're sure to turn off the engine and leave the car. Last time, I saw my friend in the underground garage of a shopping mall shift into P gear with a snap before the car came to a complete stop, resulting in a terrifying clunk from the transmission. Later, the mechanic said this action could easily damage the ratchet mechanism inside the transmission, with repair costs running into thousands. Nowadays, automatic cars have a foolproof design when starting—the gear lever can't be moved without pressing the brake pedal—which also reminds everyone to operate correctly.