When it comes to parking your car, there is often confusion about whether it is better to put your car in neutral or park. Let’s delve into this topic and explore the reasons behind each option.
First and foremost, it is important to note that the specific recommendation may vary depending on the type of transmission your car has. If your car has an automatic transmission, it is generally recommended to shift into the “Park” position. On the other hand, if your car has a manual transmission, it is recommended to shift into neutral before applying parking brakes.
Let’s start with automatic transmissions. When you shift your car into “Park,” it engages a mechanism that locks the transmission, preventing the wheels from turning. This is especially important when parking on a flat surface, as it provides an additional level of security and prevents any accidental movement of the vehicle. Additionally, shifting into “Park” also activates a parking pawl, which is a metal pin that engages a gear in the transmission, further securing the vehicle.
However, when parking on an incline, it is crucial to engage the parking brake in addition to shifting into “Park.” This is because the parking pawl may not be strong enough to prevent the car from rolling downhill. By applying the parking brake, you add an extra layer of safety and ensure that your vehicle remains stationary.
Now, let’s turn our attention to manual transmissions. In this case, it is generally recommended to shift into neutral before applying the parking brake. By placing the transmission in neutral, you disengage the engine from the wheels, allowing for smoother and easier movement of the vehicle when parked. This can be particularly useful if you need to push the car or if the parking space is tight.
However, just like with automatic transmissions, it is crucial to engage the parking brake when parking on an incline. This is to prevent the car from rolling downhill, as the parking brake can hold the vehicle in place even if the transmission is in neutral.
It is worth mentioning that some modern cars with automatic transmissions have a feature called “parking mode” or “parking gear.” This mode essentially functions like an electronic parking brake, engaging a mechanism that locks the transmission and prevents the wheels from turning. In such cases, it is still recommended to engage the parking brake for added security, especially on inclines.
To summarize, the general rule of thumb is to shift into “Park” for automatic transmissions and into neutral for manual transmissions before applying the parking brake. However, always remember to engage the parking brake, particularly when parking on an incline, to ensure that your vehicle remains stationary and prevent any potential accidents.
Personal experience: I have a manual transmission car, and I have always followed the practice of shifting into neutral before applying the parking brake. This has allowed me to maneuver my car more easily in tight parking spaces and has prevented any accidental rolling when parked on inclines. The parking brake has proven to be reliable in holding the car in place, providing me with peace of mind.