Is it acceptable to shift into P gear after turning off the engine?
4 Answers
According to proper driving standards, it is permissible to shift the car into P gear after turning off the engine. However, you must never directly engage P gear when the vehicle hasn't come to a complete stop, as this can easily damage the parking pawl inside the transmission. Therefore, the vehicle must always be fully stationary before shifting into P gear. Below is an explanation of how the transmission's P gear works: In principle, P gear functions similarly to N gear - both disconnect the gears to block power transmission from the engine to the wheels. However, P gear has an additional parking gear and pawl mechanism compared to N gear. When shifted into P gear, the pawl tightly locks the gear on the output shaft, creating a mechanical lock that secures the drive axle and keeps the vehicle stationary.
Having driven for many years, I've always felt that the parking sequence is quite particular. Turning off the engine and then shifting to P is barely acceptable, but the best practice is to shift to P first before turning off the engine when parking. Why is that? When the engine is still running, shifting to P makes it easier to fully lock the transmission gears, preventing the vehicle from sliding. If you turn off the engine first, the vehicle's electrical system has to rely on the battery to power some minor functions to shift gears, which may increase the burden on the battery. On slopes, this could also lead to incomplete gear locking, posing a slight risk of the vehicle moving. Over time, this practice might cause minor wear on the automatic transmission and could shorten the battery's lifespan. Developing the habit of shifting to P immediately after stopping, applying the handbrake, and then turning off the engine can avoid these issues, ensuring safety and peace of mind.
Recalling my younger days of driving, there was a time after work when I was in a hurry to get home and hastily shifted into P gear after turning off the engine. Later, the car slid slightly on the slope, which was quite frightening. Since then, I've learned my lesson: stop the car, press the brake, shift into P gear, pull the handbrake, and then turn off the engine. Shifting gears after turning off the engine isn’t a problem, but it does consume more system power. If the battery is old, it might fail sooner. Don’t overlook these details in daily car use, especially on rainy days or on slopes—following the correct sequence prevents rolling. Remember to maintain good habits; after decades, the transmission will still feel like new, saving you repair costs.
As a beginner driver, my instructor taught me the correct sequence for parking. While it's theoretically possible to shift into P after turning off the engine, it's more reliable to engage the gear lock while the engine is running. If I turn off the engine too quickly, the gears might not be properly positioned, causing the car to be unstable—especially noticeable on inclined surfaces like parking lots where the car might roll. Developing the habit of shifting into P before turning off the engine is straightforward: brake to a complete stop, shift gears, engage the handbrake, and then turn off the engine. New drivers shouldn't worry; with a bit of practice, it becomes second nature. Small habits like these can significantly enhance safety.
