Can the car be turned off without shifting to P gear?
3 Answers
Can the car be turned off without shifting to P gear? However, it may damage the transmission and engine. It is recommended to shift to P gear before parking and turning off the car. If the car is turned off without shifting to P gear, it may move on uneven roads. This is because the P gear transmission has a locking device that engages with the transmission gears. Movement at this time will impact the transmission gears, causing the car to move forward. The P gear mechanically locks the output shaft of the transmission to secure the car, preventing it from moving. The car can also be turned off in neutral gear, but turning off an automatic transmission car in neutral gear may affect the lifespan of the transmission. If the car is not shifted to P gear when parked, the car key cannot be removed.
As a seasoned veteran who's been around auto repair shops for years, I must say turning off the engine without shifting to Park is unwise. Automatic transmission vehicles are designed with Park gear to lock the transmission and prevent wheel movement; skipping Park before shutdown may cause the car to roll on slopes or damage internal gears. I've seen numerous cases: drivers hastily exiting without shifting gears, resulting in cars sliding into ditches or transmission failures costing thousands in repairs. Develop the habit: after stopping, first press the brake, shift to Park, engage the handbrake, then turn off the engine - this protects your vehicle and ensures safety. Don't forget to check the owner's manual; some newer models have anti-misoperation features, but their reliability can't match manual operation.
I once personally experienced the trouble of not shifting to P before turning off the engine. Rushing after work that day, I parked by the roadside and shut off the engine without shifting gears, causing the car to roll half a meter in neutral—nearly scraping the adjacent parking spot. Later, the mechanic explained that automatic transmission vehicles rely on the P gear to lock the powertrain. Skipping it during shutdown risks unintended movement or battery issues—the battery keeps powering electronic components, draining it faster. Since then, I always double-check the gear position before turning off the ignition. I’d advise new drivers to make this a habit as instinctive as buckling seatbelts, preventing unnecessary repair headaches.