Can an automatic transmission vehicle be shifted to P gear after turning off the engine?

[Anne]

An automatic transmission vehicle can be shifted to P gear after turning off the engine, but many models do not support this operation. They are factory-set to require shifting to P gear before turning off the engine; otherwise, the engine cannot be turned off. When parking and turning off an automatic transmission vehicle, it is essential to ensure that the handbrake is engaged, and the handbrake must be applied before shifting to P gear. The P (Parking) gear is used for parking and employs a mechanical device to lock the rotating parts of the vehicle, preventing it from moving. When the vehicle needs to remain stationary for an extended period or when leaving the vehicle after parking, the handbrake should be engaged, and the gear lever should be shifted to the P position.

[LaLouis]

I've been driving automatic transmission cars for over a decade and have encountered this issue several times. It's absolutely possible to shift into P after turning off the engine, but I don't recommend doing this frequently. Why? Because when you move the gearshift after the engine stops, the transmission lacks power support, which increases pressure on internal components and can easily lead to wear. For example, when parked on a slope, shifting gears with the engine off causes the car body to shake slightly, and you can hear metal grinding sounds. Over time, this may damage the locking mechanism. I experienced this once when I was exhausted after work - I turned off the engine before remembering to shift into P, and when I quickly pushed it into position, the gear lever felt very heavy. Later, a mechanic told me this kind of operation could shorten the transmission's lifespan by about ten percent. The best practice is to stop the car completely, shift into P first, apply the parking brake, and then turn off the engine. This simple and safe routine also protects your vehicle. Developing good habits makes driving much more worry-free.

[DonovanMarie]

From a mechanical principle standpoint, there's no technical issue with shifting into P after engine shutdown, but it's not the most efficient practice. Automatic transmission vehicles rely on the gearbox to lock the wheels in P mode, with engine operation providing assistance for smoother operation. Shifting into P after shutdown may require manual forceful pushing of the locking mechanism, increasing wear risk. Through regular vehicle structure inspections, I've found this reversed sequence creates unnecessary load and may even affect electronic systems like ABS. Recommended parking procedure remains: brake pedal → shift to P → engage parking brake → shut off engine. If you occasionally forget the sequence and shut down first, gently pushing the gear lever as remedy is acceptable – avoid excessive force. Vehicle maintenance key is minimal intervention; don't let minor issues escalate.

[Joanna]

You can shift to P after turning off the engine, but I always avoid doing so. It's best to shift to P before turning off the engine to save trouble. Shifting gears after turning off feels stiff and may cause the car to roll, which is unsafe. Just remember the standard sequence.