Park on incline, Head up? or Head down?

[wmlunt]

I do have to park my 2SS/RS A6 on an incline. Is it better to park with the nose up? or with the nose down? Where I park it is not so steep that the shifter will not move out of park, otherwise I would use the parking brake.

Is there a preferred position, and why? (explain your postion such as oil level, tranny fluid, more load on rear axle than front, etc)

[blackSSRS]

nose down for rainy days (water can drain off better i'm guessing), otherwise i don't think it will matter unless left on a big incline for fluid levels

[metthem]

You should use your E-brake. Park, put e-brake on, then put the transmission in park, that way you aren't using your transmission to hold your car in position, you are using the e-brake instead. Just my opinion. up or downhill shouldn't make a difference.

[BadAssBumbleBee]

As metthem said, it doesn't really make a difference which way you park. The key is to keep your foot on the brake, apply the e-brake and then shift into park.

[Sir Nuke]

NOSE DOWN. when on an incline, you should park NOSE DOWN. and heres why....think about it. have you ever parked your car, put on the E-Brake.....and then later on you went to leave and forgot to take of off?? but when you when to back up you did EASILY....but when you went ot go forward it took a lot more effert? thge reason why is the e-brake is only using one shoe....and in only one direction primarily....it still holds, but to holds better in the forward direction, THUS, its better to point your car NOSE DOWN. ALSO, IF your on a street with a curb, turn your wheels toward the curb when you park. For if the E-brake disangages for some unknown reason, and the tranny isn't holding or if you have a manual, and the car begins to move, it will push the car against the curb and won't go anywhere.

[Caspers2SSRS]

Originally Posted by metthem

You should use your E-brake. Park, put e-brake on, then put the transmission in park, that way you aren't using your transmission to hold your car in position, you are using the e-brake instead. Just my opinion. up or downhill shouldn't make a difference.

Additionally reversing this process helps prevent premature wear and tear on the automatic transmission parking pawl and pin. These physically lock the transmission to the drive shaft, which inturn prevents it from turning (While the cars shifter is positioned in park). Thus, it doesn't matter whether you park facing uphill or downhill. These parts work identically in either direction.........first steady foot pressure on the brake peddle, then put the car in drive and finally releasing the preset parking brake before pulling out.

[LadyT_SS]

Put the car in park, use the e-brake and turn the wheels toward the curb. I wont matter what direction the nose is

[wmlunt]

What about the rear channels of the trunk lid? Nose up will trap water there, and not allow it to drain out?

If I feel no locking of the Shifter, and parked previous cars ther for 12 years, do I need to use the parking brake? It could seize, and not be able let go...

I can turn my wheels either way to stop againt a curb (not really needed though, but good info from my Drivers Ed School days...

Still confused.............

[Caspers2SSRS]

If I feel no locking of the Shifter, and parked previous cars ther for 12 years, do I need to use the parking brake? It could seize, and not be able let go...

Yes always use the parking brake on inclines...........even if it weren't neccesary, it takes seconds and couldn't hurt. If your parking brake is seizing already or your concerns are it seems to be heading that way,,,,,,,.you've got bigger fish to fry. Head to the dealership asap. The automatic shifter while positioned in park.,,,,,,,,,.automatically engages the parking pawl. It functions..........as described earlier. The correct process for parking safely with-out damaging your ride on inclines is pretty basic.......as descibed. That in itself should elleviate any undue or unneccesary worries your experiencing.

[Ocikat]

Originally Posted by metthem

You should use your E-brake. Park, put e-brake on, then put the transmission in park, that way you aren't using your transmission to hold your car in position, you are using the e-brake instead. Just my opinion. up or downhill shouldn't make a difference.

I put mine (auto ) in neutal engage E brake until the car won't drift, then move to park. No tension at all on the parking pawl of the transmission then, at startup,hold break peddel, shift to N D or R, then release E brake, I don't think it really matters if you park up or downhill though it would make a bit more sense to me that any water would drain more completely parked uphill

[CAP'N B]

It doesn't matter nose up or nose down, but u usually have to park in the direction traffic will be going. Also turn the front wheel so if the car rolls it will not roll into traffic but against the curb.

[helmincamaro]

I usually like to park nose down when raining..... makes it easier to pull out when you leave.... get a rolling start. Cold wet tires plus a cold engine that idles higher (when cold) makes it easier to spin. Also.... if facing downhill and your battery/starter is dead..... you can let it roll and start.

[CAP'N B]

Originally Posted by helmincamaro

I usually like to park nose down when raining..... makes it easier to pull out when you leave.... get a rolling start. Cold wet tires plus a cold engine that idles higher (when cold) makes it easier to spin. Also.... if facing downhill and your battery/starter is dead..... you can let it roll and start.

You can't start an automatic that way, i know it's an automatic because a manual doesn't have park and they are being specific about their car.

[helmincamaro]

Originally Posted by CAP'N B

You can't start an automatic that way, i know it's an automatic because a manual doesn't have park and they are being specific about their car.

I know that...... I overlooked that part