What is the sequence for parking an automatic transmission car?
2 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.
