Which gear should be used for temporary parking?
4 Answers
Here are two situations for gear selection during temporary parking: 1. Manual transmission vehicles: Generally, manual cars should be shifted to neutral gear and the handbrake should be engaged. 2. Automatic transmission vehicles: Generally, automatic cars should be shifted to P gear. Below is an introduction to automatic transmission gears: 1. P (parking) gear: Represents the parking gear. 2. R (reverse) gear: Represents the reverse gear. 3. N (neutral) gear: Represents the neutral gear. 4. D (drive) gear: Represents the forward gear. 5. S (sport) gear: Represents the sports mode.
When driving, I often encounter situations where I need to make a temporary stop, such as waiting at a red light or picking someone up by the roadside. My car is an automatic, and for these brief stops, I usually shift to N (Neutral) and hold the brake, which is simple and worry-free. Keeping it in D (Drive) while holding the brake is also fine, but doing so for extended periods can increase the burden on the braking system. I remember when driving a manual transmission car, I would simply shift to neutral and engage the handbrake. For temporary stops on a slope, I am extra cautious and always apply the handbrake to prevent the car from rolling. Using P (Park) is only suitable for long-term parking, as using it temporarily can increase the risk of transmission wear, especially if the car is rear-ended, which might cause damage. Overall, for short stops, keeping it in N or D while holding the brake is the most practical approach.
When driving an automatic transmission car to and from work, temporary stops are often required during traffic jams or while waiting by the roadside. I usually keep it in D gear and step on the brake for a quicker start, avoiding frequent gear shifts. Shifting to N gear is also a good option, as it reduces engine load and saves fuel. For manual transmission, I'm accustomed to shifting to neutral and pulling the handbrake. Remember not to rely solely on the brake pedal, as it can lead to fatigue. On slopes, I always engage the hand brake for safety. For short temporary stops, frequently shifting to P gear is too cumbersome and may cause jamming, affecting driving smoothness. Developing good habits can reduce the likelihood of accidents.
Safety comes first when temporarily stopping, and I always handle it with care. For automatic transmission cars, shift to N gear, engage the handbrake, and then step on the brake pedal—triple protection to prevent accidental movement. For manual transmission cars, shifting to neutral and engaging the handbrake is the most stable approach. Never rely solely on the foot brake on a slope, as the car might roll away if you relax. Reserve the P gear for actual parking scenarios. Personal tip: Always turn on the hazard lights when temporarily stopping to alert vehicles behind you—this protects both yourself and avoids rear-end collision risks. Simple and effective methods are better than complicated operations.
