Putting your car securely in park is a fundamental aspect of driving. While simply moving the gear selector to the 'P' position might seem sufficient, employing a specific sequence, especially on inclines, can protect your transmission from unnecessary strain.
Based on the provided reference, a recommended method involves using your brakes and handbrake in a particular order.
Steps to Securely Park Your Vehicle
Following this sequence helps ensure the car's weight rests primarily on the handbrake rather than the transmission's park pawl, especially on sloped surfaces.
Here are the steps as outlined:
- Apply the Foot Brake & Select Neutral: While firmly stepping on the foot brake pedal, move the gear shifter into the Neutral (N) position.
- Engage the Hand Brake: Pull the hand brake lever up (or press the button if it's an electronic handbrake) until it is fully engaged. This begins to hold the car in place.
- Release the Foot Brake: Gently release your foot from the brake pedal. You might feel the car shift slightly forward or backward as it settles onto the hand brake, releasing tension from the drivetrain. This confirms the hand brake is bearing the load.
- Press Foot Brake & Select Park: Once the car is resting on the hand brake, press the foot brake pedal firmly again. While holding the foot brake, move the gear shifter into the Park (P) position.
By following these steps, you transfer the vehicle's weight to the hand brake before engaging the park mechanism in the transmission.
Why Use This Method?
This specific method is often advised to:
- Reduce Strain on the Transmission: Prevents the car's weight from resting solely on the park pawl, a small metal pin inside the transmission.
- Improve Longevity: Can help extend the life of your automatic transmission, particularly in vehicles that are frequently parked on hills.
- Ensure Security: Guarantees that the hand brake is effectively holding the vehicle, adding an extra layer of security against rolling.
Always ensure your vehicle has come to a complete stop before attempting to shift into Park or Neutral.
