Why Does the Car Still Roll When in P Park?
3 Answers
It is normal for a car to roll slightly when in P Park. The P Park is the parking gear for motor vehicles, and its locking mechanism has a certain gap. If only the P Park is used for parking, there will be a certain range of rolling. However, if the parking brake is applied, the vehicle will not roll. Below is an introduction to car gears: 1. P Park represents the parking gear, also known as the parking brake gear, used when the vehicle is parked. 2. D Drive represents the driving gear, used when the vehicle is moving. 3. R Reverse represents the reverse gear, used when the vehicle is moving backward. 4. N Neutral represents the neutral gear, used when towing or temporarily parking. 5. S Sport is the sport mode. 6. M Manual is the manual mode.
I've seen quite a few people encounter this issue while repairing cars. After parking and shifting into P (Park), the car still rolls, which can be quite alarming. Generally, the P gear relies on a locking mechanism inside the transmission to secure the wheels. However, if that mechanism is worn out or damaged—for example, if the locking teeth have cracks—or if you park on a steep slope where the P gear's holding force isn't sufficient, the car may slip. Once, while helping a friend inspect their car, I found that the internal transmission parts had loosened and needed to be disassembled for repair. This isn't a minor issue—early detection and prompt action are crucial. It's best to have a professional shop check if there's also a problem with the parking brake system. When parking, try to park on level ground to prevent accidents.
I remember once when I parked on a steep slope, I shifted into P (Park) and released the foot brake, but the car quietly slid down a few centimeters, which scared me so much that I quickly pulled the handbrake to stabilize it. I think this situation was mainly caused by the terrain being too steep, and the locking force of the P gear not being strong enough. Additionally, if the locking mechanism inside the transmission is worn or aged, such as a small pawl breaking, the P gear won't hold. Or if you don't park steadily and shift into P while the wheels are still turning, it can damage internal parts. It's recommended to always use the handbrake when parking on a slope—safety first. Looking back, that experience reminded me of the importance of timely maintenance.
