Which gear is for parking?
4 Answers
The parking gear of a car is the P gear. P gear: 'Parking' means 'to park'. It is the parking gear used when parking. When you reach your destination or need to park for a long time, shift the gear lever into this position. Note: You must ensure the vehicle has come to a complete stop before shifting into P gear. Shifting into P gear before the vehicle has fully stopped can cause mechanical damage to the automatic transmission. When P gear is engaged, the wheels are mechanically locked, preventing the vehicle from moving forward or backward. Therefore, always engage P gear when parking on a slope. Automatic transmission cars have gear positions marked with letters such as P, R, N, D, S, and L. The full English names for these gears are: P for Parking, R for Reverse, N for Neutral, D for Drive, S for Sport, L for Low, and M for Manual. Different gear combinations output different levels of power. When the car is moving at different speeds, you need to 'shift gears,' meaning selecting different gear combinations to output power. Below is an explanation of each gear: R gear: 'Reverse' means 'to go backward' and is used when reversing the car. To reverse, press the safety button on the gear lever and shift into R gear. However, it is crucial to ensure the vehicle has completely stopped before performing this operation to avoid severe damage to the transmission. N gear: 'Neutral' means 'in the middle,' also known as the neutral gear. You can shift into this gear and press the brake when waiting at a traffic light. If the wait is longer, it is recommended to engage the handbrake, allowing your foot to rest off the brake pedal. Many people mistakenly believe that shifting into N gear while coasting downhill or at high speed can save fuel. This is a serious misconception—not only does it not save fuel, but it can also damage the transmission. D gear: 'Drive' means 'to move forward' and is the forward gear in a car. When this gear is engaged, pressing the accelerator will make the car move. In this gear, the transmission automatically shifts based on speed and throttle input. You can stay in D gear and press the brake when waiting at a traffic light. If the wait is short, this is fine, but prolonged use can cause the transmission fluid to overheat and degrade. S gear: 'Sport' means 'sport mode' in a car. When this gear is engaged, the transmission delays shifting to provide more power, typically used when overtaking. L gear: 'Low' means 'low speed' and is the low-speed forward gear in a car. When this gear is engaged, the transmission operates only in the low gear (equivalent to manual transmission's 1st gear) and does not automatically shift to other gears based on speed. This gear is generally used when climbing or descending steep slopes. In low gear, the drive wheels output higher torque, providing sufficient power to climb steep slopes. Prolonged braking can cause the brake pads to overheat and reduce braking effectiveness, which is dangerous on long or steep descents. In such cases, shifting into L gear allows the engine's low RPM to control the vehicle's movement, eliminating the need for constant braking.
When I first started learning to drive, my instructor always emphasized putting the car in P (Park) mode when parking. He said P mode is like a safety lock that engages the transmission to prevent the car from rolling. Once on a slope, I only pulled the handbrake without shifting to P mode, and the car slid backward slightly, scaring me into quickly stepping on the brake. Since then, every time I park, I remember to push the lever to the P position. P mode is specifically designed for parking—it locks the wheels to ensure absolute safety. Pay extra attention when parking on slopes: first pull the handbrake tight, then shift to P mode to avoid damaging the locking mechanism. For automatic transmission cars, developing this habit can save fuel and protect components. Just push it into P after stopping—simple, convenient, and reassuring. Remember this basic rule to drive with fewer worries.
After years of driving, my experience is that parking must engage the P (Park) gear to secure the vehicle and prevent rolling. When stopping on a slope, always apply the handbrake first before shifting to P gear to avoid pressure on the transmission gears. For regular stops like at red lights, using P gear saves fuel and ensures safety. I've seen a friend's car roll away and collide with objects due to not engaging P gear, resulting in significant damage. The operation isn't difficult—just push the lever to P position once stopped, and make it a responsible habit. Always check that the gear is in P before starting the engine to prevent accidental movement. Safety comes first; never cut corners by using neutral or D gear, as this can damage the transmission. Remember, P gear plus handbrake provides double protection, being responsible for yourself and others. Road accidents often stem from small oversights, so always emphasize this point when teaching newcomers.
The common cause of rollaway accidents is failing to engage the P (Park) gear. The P gear locks the transmission output shaft, preventing movement. Relying solely on the handbrake in N (Neutral) gear is risky—if it fails, the car may roll. On slopes, always prioritize engaging P gear for safety. Once stopped, shift to P quickly and carefully. From a maintenance perspective, such damage is common, with many transmission failures resulting from improper operation. Cultivate the habit of always engaging P gear when parking—it saves money and trouble. Never overlook details; life is most precious. Simply pushing the gear lever is all it takes.
