The correct procedure for parking an automatic transmission car is a topic of debate, mainly revolving around whether to engage the parking brake first or shift to P first.

Should You Shift to P First or Engage the Parking Brake First?

Experts recommend engaging the parking brake first for the safest parking method. The proper procedure is:

1. Press the brake pedal.
2. Shift to Neutral (N).
3. Engage the parking brake.
4. Release the brake pedal.
5. Shift to Park (P).

Why Should You Engage the Parking Brake First?

• If you shift to P first, you might forget or rush and accidentally leave it in Reverse (R) instead of Park (P), causing the car to roll when you release the brake.
• If the car moves slightly when engaging the parking brake after shifting to P, it puts excessive strain on the parking pawl inside the transmission, which could lead to mechanical damage.

Should You Completely Stop Before Shifting Between D and R?

Yes, you should only shift gears when the car is at a complete stop.

Many drivers, when maneuvering into a parking spot or making a quick forward-reverse adjustment, shift directly from D (Drive) to R (Reverse) or vice versa while the car is still rolling.

Risks of Shifting Without Stopping Completely:

• You might shift incorrectly in a hurry, potentially engaging the wrong gear and causing dangerous acceleration.
• The transmission system has to transition between two opposing modes (forward and reverse), forcing drivetrain components to work under different speeds and loads.
• Shifting gears while the car is still moving can cause mechanical wear, damage to the transmission, or even a collision.

Best Practice:

Before shifting gears, bring the car to a full stop, press the brake pedal, and then shift smoothly to the next driving mode.

What is the Shift Lock Button Used For?

When the car’s engine is off, the gear lever is locked in place and cannot be moved.

The Shift Lock button, located near the gear lever, unlocks the gear shift in emergency situations.

When to Use the Shift Lock Button?

• If the battery is dead or the engine stalls, the gear lever gets stuck.
• Pressing and holding Shift Lock allows you to manually shift the gear out of Park (P) so the car can be moved.

On some vehicles, the Shift Lock button is hidden under a small cover. In this case:

1. Use a thin, sturdy object to pry open the cover.
2. Inside, push or slide a small lever to unlock the gear shift.

By following these proper parking and shifting procedures, you can extend the lifespan of your transmission and ensure safe driving practices.