What Parking Gradient Can Damage a Car?
2 Answers
Parking on a slope exceeding 15% can cause damage to a car. Parking on a slope increases the risk of the vehicle rolling backward, which can easily lead to accidents. Hazards of parking on a slope: It can fatigue the handbrake cable, affecting the braking performance of the handbrake; it can reduce the lifespan of the transmission; it can cause aging of the front and rear suspensions, leading to inconsistent stiffness and height, affecting ride comfort; it poses a risk of the car rolling; and it increases the likelihood of scraping accidents. Methods to prevent rolling after parking: When parking on a slope, place the vehicle's gear in P (Park); engage the handbrake; press the car's one-touch start button to turn off the engine. For long-term parking on a slope, first use the handbrake to park, then place bricks in front of the wheels facing the downward slope to secure them, release the handbrake to transfer the force to the wheels, and then re-engage the handbrake. The car's braking system only functions when the engine is running. Most vehicles currently use a front disc and rear drum braking system, while some models feature a four-wheel disc braking system.
Oh, parking on steep slopes can indeed damage your car. I've been driving for over 20 years and have encountered several issues. When the slope exceeds 15 degrees, gravity puts strain on the transmission, especially for automatic cars—the P (Park) gear locking mechanism can deform or break. Manual transmissions may also experience gear stiffness. Once, I parked on a slope for about a week, and afterward, shifting gears felt noticeably rough. After inspection, I found internal components were damaged. The suspension system is also affected—uneven wheel pressure can lead to deformation. I recommend parking on level ground whenever possible. If you must park on a slope, ensure it doesn’t exceed 10 degrees and always engage the parking brake firmly. For safety, observe the ground tilt in parking lots and avoid steep areas.
