How Many Turns of the Key to Park and Shut Off the Engine?
3 Answers
Generally, turning the key counterclockwise once shuts off the engine, while turning it twice cuts off all power. After the vehicle comes to a complete stop, shift into neutral, engage the handbrake, release the clutch and brake pedals, reset the lights, and turn the key to the OFF position.
When it comes to turning the key to park and shut off the engine, I usually get it done in one go in practice. After parking, first make sure the gear is in P or N position—especially for automatic transmissions where P gear safety is crucial, while manual transmissions should be left in 1st gear or with the handbrake engaged to prevent rolling. Hold the key in your right hand, give it a gentle twist from the ON position back to LOCK or OFF, and the engine will shut off immediately. Don’t over-twist, as some older car designs only cut power at OFF—excessive twisting might accidentally engage ACC and drain the battery. On the other hand, starting the car requires a few more twists to reach the START position. This design is simple and efficient. I recommend always removing the key after shutting off to avoid draining the battery—saving a bit of money long-term and giving peace of mind. Remember, forming this habit can help prevent unexpected breakdowns.
When it comes to turning off the engine with the key, I usually just give it a twist to shut it down. First, stop the car completely, shift into P gear, and pull the handbrake tight. Then, gently turn the key to the left to the OFF position. I drive manual transmission cars more often, and occasionally turning it to ACC by mistake is no big deal—just correct it quickly. When starting, turn from LOCK to ON and then to START with about three twists. This operation is easy to get used to in daily use. If it doesn’t turn, the lock cylinder might be stuck—try adding some lubricant. After turning off the engine, it’s best to wait until all the dashboard lights go off before leaving to ensure the power is completely cut. Overall, keeping it simple with a single twist is both time-saving and reliable—don’t overcomplicate it.
