Which gear should be engaged for long-term parking?
2 Answers
For long-term parking, engage the P (Park) gear. The P gear locks the transmission output shaft. An automatic transmission typically refers to a car's automatic gear-shifting mechanism. While driving, the control system of the automatic transmission automatically selects the appropriate gear based on engine speed and load, replacing the driver's subjective judgment of timing and gear-shifting operations. A standard automatic transmission car has six gear positions, arranged from top to bottom as: P (Park), R (Reverse), N (Neutral), D (Drive), S (Sport), and L (Low). The automatic transmission uses planetary gear mechanisms for gear shifting. It can automatically shift gears based on the degree of throttle pedal pressure and changes in vehicle speed, while the driver only needs to control the speed using the accelerator pedal.
Last time I parked in the lot overnight, I was in such a hurry that I forgot to shift gears. The next day, I found my car had rolled half a meter with its tires stuck on the curb—so frustrating. Since then, I’ve made it a habit to always shift into P (Park) for long stops and engage the handbrake too. The P gear locks the transmission, completely immobilizing the wheels to prevent rolling or accidental movement. Especially in underground garages or on slopes, relying solely on P gear puts enormous stress on the transmission, which can damage parts over time. I drive an automatic, so my routine is shifting to P before turning off the engine. For manuals, neutral plus the handbrake is safer. Sticking to this routine has improved my car’s condition, saved repair costs, and made driving much safer.
