the "P" designation

The "P" designation in vehicles typically stands for "Park" in the gear shift system. When you see "P" on your car’s gear selector, it means the transmission is locked, preventing the vehicle from moving. This position is used when you are parking the car and want to ensure it stays stationary. In automatic transmissions, "P" engages a lock mechanism that holds the wheels in place, preventing unintended movement. It’s important to switch to "P" only when the vehicle is fully stopped, and the engine is running, to ensure safety and proper parking.