What is the sequence for parking an automatic transmission car?
4 Answers
There are five steps to parking an automatic transmission car: 1. After driving to the parking spot, press the foot brake to stop the car. 2. Shift the gear from D (Drive) or R (Reverse) to N (Neutral). 3. Engage the handbrake and turn off the engine. 4. Release the foot brake, but do not turn off the power (this is to confirm that the car can come to a complete stop under the effect of the handbrake). 5. Press the foot brake again, shift the gear from N (Neutral) to P (Park), release the foot brake, turn the key back to the off position, remove the key, unbuckle the seatbelt, open the door, exit the car, lock the doors using the remote key, and leave (remember to turn off the headlights before exiting the car at night).
From my years of driving experience, the basic sequence for parking an automatic transmission car is a three-step process: First, press the brake to bring the car to a complete stop—this is the foundation of safety. Next, shift the gear to P (Park), which locks the transmission and prevents the car from rolling. Finally, engage the handbrake or electronic parking brake, especially on slopes—I always make sure to pull it tight to avoid any rolling that could damage the car. The key is not to reverse the order, such as shifting gears before applying the handbrake, as this puts extra strain on the transmission and can lead to wear and tear, costing at least a few hundred dollars to repair. By sticking to this routine, my car has run smoothly for ten years without major issues, saving me on maintenance costs. One extra tip: when parking on a slope, it’s best to turn the steering wheel so the tires angle toward the curb for added safety.
As a new driver who just got my license, I find the automatic transmission parking sequence super simple: after stopping the car, firmly press the brake pedal, make sure the car is completely stationary, then shift to P position, and finally engage the handbrake. The first few times I was too hasty and turned off the engine directly, which triggered the dashboard alarm—so embarrassing! Now I know the electronic parking brake can assist automatically, but manually pulling it feels more reliable. After practicing a few times during the novice period, it becomes second nature. By the way, why is the sequence important? My instructor said shifting too early might strain the engine and affect its lifespan; also, remember not to park too close to puddles on rainy days to prevent rust on parts. Talking about these things makes them easier to remember.
When teaching safe driving, I always emphasize the parking sequence: first press the brake to ensure the vehicle comes to a complete stop, then shift to P gear to secure the transmission, and finally engage the handbrake to prevent any movement. The focus of this procedure is to prevent accidental rolling, such as at intersections or on slopes, where a single slip could lead to a collision. Although the steps are small, developing this habit can prevent 80% of accidents and also reduce wear and tear on mechanical parts. Always check the responsiveness of the handbrake when parking, and regular maintenance will provide additional peace of mind.
