Will there be any problem if I forget to step on the brake when shifting to P gear?

[Josephine]

Forgetting to step on the brake once when shifting to P gear will not have much impact on the car, but doing so for a long time can damage the car's transmission. The correct parking steps should be: 1. Step on the brake to stop the car; 2. Shift the gear to N gear; 3. Tighten the handbrake; 4. Turn off the engine; 5. Shift to P gear. P gear is also called the parking gear, which relies on the power of the engine to brake the vehicle. When the gear is shifted to P gear, there will be a locking gear in the automatic transmission to lock the transmission. Therefore, when shifting to P gear, any movement of the wheels can easily cause the locking gear to break, and even seriously affect the transmission.

[AvaLee]

I've been driving for almost ten years and have encountered several instances where I forgot to press the brake and directly shifted to P gear, especially on flat ground. The car just shook slightly without major issues, but it was quite frightening. If parked on a small slope, the car body might move a bit, loosening the gears inside the transmission. Doing this long-term can shorten the transmission's lifespan. It's advisable to develop a good habit of firmly pressing the brake every time before shifting gears—don’t cut corners. Now, I also use the handbrake as a backup for added safety. If driving a new automatic car someday, extra caution is needed to avoid damaging parts and incurring repair costs. In short, good habits lead to fewer problems.

[OColin]

A little car tip I learned from my friend: Occasionally forgetting to press the brake when shifting to P mode is fine, but doing it too often might cause trouble. Automatic transmission vehicles have a locking mechanism when shifting to P mode. If you force it into gear without pressing the brake while the car is still slightly moving, it puts extra stress on the transmission gears, especially when parked on a slope, which can wear out internal components. I always make it a habit to press the brake before shifting to P mode, then engage the handbrake once the car is stable. Remember to check if the braking system is responsive to avoid minor malfunctions caused by incorrect operations. Pay more attention to maintenance—keeping your car running well for a long time is what really matters.

[WestonLee]

As a new driver, I often forget to step on the brake before shifting to P, but luckily the car doesn't stall or roll. My friend said doing this frequently might cause the transmission's locking pin to jam, leading to higher fuel consumption and faster wear. Now I've developed the habit of always stepping on the brake, making parking more stable. Occasionally forgetting on flat ground isn't a big deal, but don't be careless on slopes. Safety first, after all.