Moving a car in “Park” is a common practice, often done for short distances or to reposition a vehicle in a tight space. While it may seem harmless, this action can have a detrimental impact on your transmission’s health, particularly in the long run.
Understanding the Parking Mechanism
The “Park” position in your automatic transmission engages a pawl, a small metal latch, that locks the output shaft to the transmission case. This effectively prevents the car from rolling. However, the pawl is designed for short-term holding, not for sustained movement or towing.
Why Moving in Park is Harmful
Moving a car in “Park” while the engine is running can lead to several problems⁚
- Excessive Strain on the Pawl⁚ Moving the car while in “Park” puts immense pressure on the pawl, which is not designed to handle the forces involved in movement. This can cause wear and tear on the pawl, leading to potential failure.
- Transmission Fluid Contamination⁚ Moving a car in “Park” can agitate the transmission fluid, causing it to churn and potentially overheat. This can lead to contamination and damage to internal components.
- Damage to Internal Components⁚ The movement can also put stress on other internal components of the transmission, such as the planetary gears and clutches, leading to premature wear and tear.
Best Practices for Moving a Car
To avoid damaging your transmission, follow these best practices when moving a car⁚
- Use “Neutral” for Short Distances⁚ For short movements, engage the parking brake and shift to “Neutral” before moving the car. This relieves the pressure on the pawl and minimizes strain on the transmission.
- Engage “Drive” or “Reverse” for Longer Distances⁚ For longer distances, engage the appropriate gear (“Drive” or “Reverse”) and use your foot to control the speed of the car. This allows the transmission to function as intended.
- Avoid Towing in “Park”⁚ Never tow a car with the transmission in “Park.” This puts excessive stress on the pawl and can lead to catastrophic failure;
Conclusion
While moving a car in “Park” may seem convenient, it’s a practice that can have significant consequences for your transmission’s health. By understanding the risks and following best practices, you can protect your transmission and extend its lifespan.