Which gear should be engaged for long-term parking?
3 Answers
Engage the N (Neutral) gear for long-term parking. Below are specific instructions regarding long-term parking: Precautions: Do not park next to residential buildings or garbage bins. Parking near residential buildings increases the risk of damage from falling objects. Avoid parking near garbage bins because they attract rodents, which may enter the engine compartment and chew on the wiring. Properly increase tire pressure. Only the part of the car tire in contact with the ground bears the weight. After prolonged parking, tires are prone to deformation, and the longer the parking duration, the more severe the deformation becomes, making it harder to recover. Properly increasing tire pressure can effectively prevent this issue. Prevent battery drain. If the car is not driven for an extended period, it is advisable to disconnect the negative terminal of the battery. Ensure all electrical appliances inside the car are turned off when parking, such as lights, air conditioning, and audio systems. Avoid parking outdoors; if outdoor parking is unavoidable, it is best to cover the vehicle with a car cover.
When parking for extended periods, I always make it a habit to shift into P (Park), especially in urban areas. This is the safest option as it locks the transmission and prevents unintended vehicle movement. Once, I forgot to shift gears and only engaged the handbrake, resulting in the car rolling half a meter downhill on a slope—it was terrifying. For automatic transmission vehicles, using P (Park) is sufficient, while manual transmission cars should be left in first gear or reverse along with the handbrake for double security. If parking long-term in a home garage, I also recommend checking brake pad wear to prevent rust. In short, developing good habits can save a lot of hassle, particularly during winter snow or summer heat when pressing the foot brake extra firmly adds an extra sense of security. Never leave the car in neutral—it's too dangerous, as even a slight nudge could send the car rolling.
As a frequent driver, I know gear selection is no trivial matter. For automatic cars, simply put it in P (Park), which has an internal locking mechanism to immobilize the drive wheels. With manual transmissions, engage a low gear like first or reverse, combined with the handbrake, functioning similarly to a roll-prevention system. Technically, gear selection doesn't consume fuel and protects engine and suspension components. I've tested on mountain roads - relying solely on the handbrake risks slippage, but adding gear engagement provides rock-solid stability. For daily parking, turning off the AC to reduce battery drain is recommended, but proper gear selection remains fundamental. Veteran drivers often say this is basic skill - effortless to master, taking mere seconds for peace of mind. Never cut corners to avoid regrettable consequences.
