I was taught to park a stick shift in 1st gear even if the car is on level ground. Is that a wise thing to do, or will it eventually cause some unnecessary wear and tear. Thanks for the input.

 

BCentee:

You were taught correctly!

First of all it is safer, even on a level ground, because of sudden winds for instance.

Second of all, I am completely unaware of any additional (harmful) wear.

Ergo, it is a wise thing to do; no problem!

Best regards,


Siepel

 

This was discussed not too long ago. Just do a simple search:

https://www.s2ki.com/forums/showthread.php?...light=park+gear

 

I would guess if you were parking in a lot where cars are side by side it would be alright,but if you were on a city street where someone could bump your car in the front or rear some damage could occur if the car was hit hard enough.I've never been in the habbit of leaving my car in gear when I park...not saying it's right or wrong just something I've always done without any problems.

 

In Gear (either first or reverse depending on the slope), even on relatively level ground. Also with the brake on.

I once watched out of our office builiding window while a Miata rolled across the lot and hit another car.

 

HAHA, I wanna see that soOOOooOooOo bad.

 

I once pulled into a lumber yard and stopped because a red LeBaron convertible was backing out of a parking space. I soon realized that there wasn't anyone in the car and it rolled into a pickup. I went inside the store and told them to page the owner of the LeBaron. Moments later a woman came to the front of the store and I told her what happened. She ran out in a panick to look at her car. Luckily, no one got hurt.

 

I asked the same question not long ago.
WhiteS2K got the link to my post already.

I use parking brake all the times when I park.
I will put into gear (mostly 1st) when I am parking on a slop and turn the wheel towards the side of the street.
On level ground, i will leave the gear in netural most of the time cause i am too lazy.
If i am parking on a level ground with the top down, i will put the gear into 1st. (i just like to do that for some reason)

hope this help.

i have no idea which gear is better or will it damage the engine if the parked car is moved with the engine off and in one of the gears!

any thoughts guys?

 

I always thought 1st or reverse are correct gear because it is easier to hold a steep grade and any other gear could cause the car to roll when not using the hand brake.

John

 

On the advice of the fire department I leave mine with the E-brake on. If your car is in gear and you have a fire the ignition will engage the starter and the car will move foreward. This may seem far-fetched but it happend to me and I almost burned my neighbors house down.