A technical report has warned against a common habit among millions of drivers: shifting the automatic transmission into Park (P) before engaging the parking brake. The report emphasized that this sequence can lead to unnecessary strain on the transmission's internal locking mechanism, especially on inclines and sloped parking spaces.
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According to the report, relying solely on the "P" position to keep the car stationary can transfer a portion of the vehicle's weight to what is known as the "parking pawl" mechanism inside the transmission. Over time, this can cause symptoms such as difficulty shifting the lever out of Park, hearing a clucking sound, or feeling resistance when moving the gear shifter.
Unnoticed Mechanical Strain
The report explained that these symptoms do not usually appear immediately, leading many drivers to repeat the same parking method without linking it to the underlying issue. With the repetition of this habit, stress on transmission components can accumulate, though the level of wear and tear varies depending on the vehicle type and usage conditions.
It noted that this condition becomes more pronounced when stopping on hills or uneven surfaces, where the car might roll slightly after lifting the foot off the brake pedal, resulting in an additional load on the transmission's internal locking mechanism.
The 'Park' Position Does Not Replace the Parking Brake
The report stressed that while the "P" position in automatic transmissions is designed to secure the vehicle via an internal mechanism, it is not a substitute for the parking brake; rather, it should work in tandem with it.
According to many manufacturers' guidelines, the parking brake must assume the responsibility of holding the vehicle before the transmission bears any actual weight of the car. This becomes increasingly critical on sloped roads, where the transfer of weight to the locking mechanism can make it difficult to disengage the gear later.
The report also pointed out that some manufacturers, including Honda, have previously recommended engaging the parking brake before shifting into Park in automatic vehicles to minimize stress on the system.
Instructions Vary by Model
Despite these recommendations, the report highlighted that the ideal parking sequence can differ from one manufacturer to another and from one model to another, particularly in modern vehicles equipped with advanced electronic systems that link the transmission to the parking brake.
Some modern owner's manuals recommend shifting into Park first and then engaging the parking brake, while certain electronic systems execute the parking steps automatically without direct driver intervention. It also mentioned that some Toyota vehicles come with integrated electronic parking brake systems that work cohesively with the transmission based on factory settings.
Recommended Parking Sequence
According to the report, the safest sequence for conventional automatic vehicles is as follows:
Come to a complete stop while keeping your foot firmly on the brake pedal.
Engage the parking brake (whether manual, electronic, button, or pedal).
Ensure the vehicle is completely stationary.
Shift the transmission into Park (P), in accordance with the owner's manual.
In some instances, some drivers temporarily use the Neutral (N) position before engaging the parking brake—especially on inclines—to relieve pressure on the transmission. However, the report confirmed that this method is not a universal standard and depends strictly on the manufacturer's recommendations.
Electronic Brakes and Warning Indicators
The report explained that modern cars may feature electronic parking brakes that activate automatically when shifting into Park, turning off the engine, or opening the driver’s door, depending on the vehicle’s specific system. It stressed that monitoring the dashboard remains essential, as indicator lights and audio alerts provide vital information regarding the status of the braking system.
Furthermore, any malfunction in the system could be linked to sensors, electronic control units, or mechanical components, making adherence to the manufacturer’s manual fundamental.
The Danger of Relying Solely on the 'Park' Position
The report warned that relying on the "P" position alone in sloped or uneven parking spots can force the transmission to bear the vehicle’s full weight, which increases stress on the internal locking mechanism. It clarified that repeating this scenario can contribute to symptoms like "shaking when shifting out of Park," a grinding noise, or stiffness when moving the lever—all of which indicate that the system is under recurrent stress.
Concluding Recommendations
The report concluded that the best practice for parking automatic vehicles relies on distributing roles between both systems: the parking brake handles securing the vehicle in place, while the transmission’s Park position serves as an additional safety measure. Following the correct sequence requires no extra cost or tools; it simply depends on changing a daily driving habit while adhering to the manufacturer's instructions for each specific vehicle.
