Which gear should an automatic transmission be in for long-term parking?
2 Answers
If parking for an extended period, it is best to engage the P (Park) gear. The P gear is the parking gear, where the transmission's parking mechanism locks to prevent the vehicle from rolling. Alternatively, the N (Neutral) gear can also be used, but since N is the neutral gear where the transmission is unloaded, the vehicle can still move. Therefore, it is essential to engage the parking brake (handbrake) to prevent rolling. Below is an introduction to the gears of an automatic transmission car: 1. L (Low) Gear: The low gear limits speed, maintaining high RPM and low gear when climbing hills. 2. S (Sport) Gear: This is the sport mode, where the transmission can shift freely but delays shifting to keep the engine at high RPM for extended periods, allowing the car to move at low gear and high RPM for longer durations. 3. D (Drive) Gear: The forward gear used when driving the car forward. 4. N (Neutral) Gear: The neutral gear used during brief stops. 5. P (Park) Gear: The parking gear used when stopping the car; engaging P gear stops the vehicle and prevents rolling. 6. R (Reverse) Gear: The reverse gear used when backing up. However, R gear should only be engaged when the vehicle is completely stopped. Engaging R gear while the car is moving slowly can cause severe damage to the transmission.
I've been driving automatic transmission cars for many years, and I always shift to Park gear when parking for a long time because the P gear can lock the transmission and prevent the car from sliding. Especially on slopes, if you don't engage P gear, the car may accidentally roll away and cause an accident. A friend of mine had this happen—the car rolled to the roadside and damaged the wheels. Using the handbrake together is even safer. Although short stops like at traffic lights can be done in Neutral, only P gear ensures complete safety for long-term parking. Developing this habit is simple yet crucial. Every time you park, double-check to ensure it's in Park. This protects both your car and your life, without worrying too much about other operational issues—it's just a small effort.
