When most drivers park their vehicles, they instinctively shift the gear lever to ‘P’, turn off the engine, and hop out. It is quick. It is convenient.
And for many, it has become muscle memory. But what if I told you this habit is quietly damaging your car’s transmission over time?
This is not about overcomplicating something as routine as parking. It is about understanding how your automatic transmission works, and how a seemingly harmless habit could be placing constant strain on a critical component called the parking pawl—a small metal hook designed to lock your transmission in place.
So, let us explore what really happens when you park in ‘P’, and why changing the sequence of your parking routine could save you hundreds, if not thousands, in repairs.
What Happens When You Shift to ‘P’
When you shift your automatic car into ‘P’ (Park), a small locking mechanism called the parking pawl engages.
This pawl is essentially a tiny metal hook that slots into a gear attached to your transmission’s output shaft. Its job is simple: keep your car from rolling.
But here is the catch—this mechanism is not designed to hold the weight of your car on an incline. If you park on a slope and shift into ‘P’ without using the handbrake first, that little hook ends up absorbing the full load of your vehicle. This places enormous stress on the pawl, which can deform or even break over time.
This is especially true when other external forces—like a nudge from another car or a shift in road slope due to weather—apply even more pressure.
According to Engineering Explained, a leading authority on automotive mechanics, the parking pawl is meant to act as a backup system, not a primary braking tool. Using it as your sole method of securing the car is risky, especially on inclines.
Common Misstep: Shifting to ‘P’ Before Applying the Handbrake
It may feel harmless to slide into a parking spot, hit ‘P’, and step out. But what you are actually doing is letting the entire weight of your car rest on the transmission lock. Over time, this leads to:
- Accelerated wear on the parking pawl
- Difficulty shifting out of park, especially on hills
- Increased risk of transmission damage if the pawl fails
Some drivers even report a loud clunk when trying to shift out of ‘P’—a sign that the pawl is under tension. That noise is not normal. It is your car telling you something is being forced to do more than it was designed for.
The Correct Parking Sequence: Protecting Your Transmission
So, what should you do instead?
Here is a better way to park your automatic car that ensures both safety and mechanical longevity:
- Come to a complete stop using the brake pedal.
- While holding the brake, shift the gear to ‘N’ (Neutral).
- Engage the handbrake (also called the parking brake or emergency brake).
- Let your foot off the brake pedal slowly, allowing the car to rest on the handbrake.
- Once the vehicle is steady and held by the handbrake, shift the gear to ‘P’.
- Turn off the engine and exit the car.
By using this method, the weight of the vehicle is supported by the handbrake, not the transmission. This is exactly how the system was intended to work.
Why the Handbrake Matters—Even on Flat Roads
Many drivers skip the handbrake entirely when parking on flat surfaces. After all, what could go wrong?
Plenty. Roads that appear flat can still have slight inclines. Over time, especially if your car is bumped while parked, the strain accumulates. Also, not using your handbrake regularly can cause it to seize or rust in place—a separate issue with its own repair costs.
The handbrake is a mechanical system separate from your hydraulic braking system. When you use it regularly, you keep its components active and in working order.
What About Electric Parking Brakes?
If your vehicle has an electric parking brake (EPB), the principles remain the same. Apply the EPB before shifting into ‘P’.
Modern EPB systems are designed to hold the car on an incline and will maintain pressure until the vehicle is started and the driver initiates movement.
Some vehicles even come with an auto-hold function or hill-start assist. While convenient, these systems should not replace proper parking habits.
Real Costs of Transmission Damage
If the parking pawl breaks or the transmission becomes damaged due to bad parking habits, the costs are not minor:
- Replacing a parking pawl: $400–$700 (including labor)
- Transmission repairs: Can range from $1,000 to over $4,000
These are repairs that insurance typically does not cover unless tied to an accident. In contrast, forming a simple habit of parking correctly costs nothing—and it prolongs the life of both your brake system and transmission.
Summary: Best Practice for Parking an Automatic Car
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1. Stop the vehicle | Bring the car to a full stop using the brake pedal |
| 2. Shift to Neutral (N) | While holding the brake, shift to ‘N’ |
| 3. Apply Handbrake | Engage the handbrake or EPB |
| 4. Release Brake Pedal | Let the car settle onto the handbrake |
| 5. Shift to Park (P) | Only after car is secured, shift to ‘P’ |
| 6. Turn off the Engine | Now safely shut off the engine and exit the vehicle |
Final Tip:
If you park in an underground garage, on a slope, or in a crowded city street, following the proper sequence is even more important. It is not only a best practice for car care but also a sign of responsible driving.