Which gear should an automatic transmission car be in when parked?
2 Answers
Automatic transmission cars should be in P (Park) gear when parked. Below is information about related gears: 1. R (Reverse) gear: Engage this gear when reversing. Before shifting into R gear, make sure the vehicle has completely stopped and the engine speed is not too high, otherwise the transmission may be damaged or even cause an accident. 2. N (Neutral) gear: Neutral gear is generally used for brief stops. You can directly shift the gear lever from R or D gear into N gear. Before shifting out of N gear, press the brake pedal and do not press the accelerator pedal. 3. P (Park) gear: This gear is usually engaged after the vehicle is completely stopped. Before shifting from P gear to any other gear, ensure the engine is started and the brake pedal is fully depressed.
I've been driving for over a decade, and there's real technique to parking an automatic transmission car. At red lights, I'm in the habit of shifting to Neutral and engaging the handbrake—this takes the strain off the transmission and means I don't have to keep my foot on the brake pedal. For longer stops when the engine needs to be turned off, always shift to Park to lock the transmission gears. If you only shift to Park without applying the handbrake, the vehicle's momentum relies entirely on the transmission, which can easily cause damage. Especially when parking on a slope—I've seen people shift straight to Park and turn off the engine, only for the car to lurch with a loud clunk when they get out. That sound is heartbreaking. It's best to firmly apply the handbrake first, then release the foot brake, and finally shift to Park. One important note: never shift to Park in winter when the road is icy—if you get rear-ended, the transmission could be ruined.
