Should an automatic transmission car be shifted to P gear before turning off the engine or vice versa?

[VioletLynn]

For an automatic transmission car, you should first shift to P gear and then turn off the engine. Here is an introduction to the gears of an automatic transmission car: Method for parking an automatic transmission car: Press the foot brake to stop the car, shift the gear from D to N, and tighten the handbrake. Release the foot brake but do not turn off the power, press the foot brake again, shift the gear from N to P, release the foot brake, and then turn off the power. For automatic transmission cars with a key series, the correct parking method is to press the foot brake to stop the car, shift the gear from D to N. Tighten the handbrake and turn off the engine. Release the foot brake but do not turn off the power, press the foot brake again, shift the gear from N to P, release the foot brake, turn the key back, turn off the power, and pull out the key. Introduction to the gears of an automatic transmission car: P is the parking gear and starting gear, used for long-term parking; R is the reverse gear, used for reversing; N is the neutral gear, used for short-term parking; D is the drive gear, also known as the forward gear, used when the car is moving forward steadily; L is the low gear, used when going downhill or uphill; S is the sport mode, which provides stronger power when overtaking; M is the manual mode, which can be adjusted to manual transmission driving. Automatic transmission does not require the driver to manually shift gears; the car will automatically select the appropriate gear based on the speed and traffic conditions.

[KarterLee]

As an experienced driver, I'd like to share my understanding. After driving for so many years, I always shift to P gear before turning off the engine when parking. This is mainly because engaging P gear locks the transmission and prevents vehicle movement. If you turn off the engine before shifting to P gear, the engine stops but the transmission hasn't stabilized yet, which may cause gear impact during shifting and lead to long-term wear on transmission components. Especially when parking on slopes, I'll engage the handbrake first to reduce the load and avoid damaging the parking pawl. Developing this habit is simple: stop the car completely, press the brake, shift to P gear, engage the handbrake, and finally turn off the engine. Doing this not only protects your vehicle but also reduces the risk of accidental rolling. Think about it - your car is your investment, and proper care can extend its lifespan.

[DiKennedy]

Safety is my top priority, and the parking sequence must never be taken lightly. The correct procedure for an automatic transmission car is to shift into P (Park) before turning off the engine. Once the vehicle is completely stopped, engaging P mode ensures the transmission is locked, preventing the car from rolling. If the sequence is reversed—turning off the engine before shifting into P—the car may shift slightly on slopes or uneven surfaces, putting extra strain on the transmission and potentially leading to accidents. I once experienced this myself when I forgot the proper steps, and the car rolled a short distance—a lesson learned the hard way. Now, I always follow the manual’s recommendation: brake to a full stop, shift into P, firmly engage the parking brake, and then turn off the engine. Taking those extra two seconds can save you from major trouble.

[Jenna]

I haven't been driving for long, but my instructor repeatedly emphasized this point during lessons. When parking, you must shift to P gear before turning off the engine, and you can't be lazy and skip steps. This is because engaging P gear locks the wheels to prevent movement, while turning off the engine first causes it to stop spinning rapidly, which may create significant impact when shifting gears. The instructor mentioned common issues like incorrect parking operations on slopes could lead to expensive transmission repairs. My daily routine is simple: once the car is stationary, I shift to P gear, engage the handbrake, and then turn off the engine. After developing this habit, my car has always run smoothly. Beginners might think these details are minor, but protecting your vehicle is crucial.

[Elise]

I have a particular interest in cars and enjoy studying the small details. The correct parking sequence is definitely to shift into P mode before turning off the engine. When you shift into P mode, the output shaft is locked, preventing the vehicle from moving. If you turn off the engine first and then shift into gear while the gears are still rotating, it may cause friction damage. Over time, this can accumulate problems and increase maintenance costs. I also recommend checking the handbrake status, which is even more crucial on slopes. Different car models' manuals clearly outline this procedure, and ignoring it can lead to deteriorating vehicle condition. Here's how I always do it: come to a complete stop, press the brake, shift into P mode, engage the handbrake, and then turn off the engine.

[HaileyDella]

As an ordinary car user, I'd like to share my daily experience. The safest practice when parking is to shift to P gear before turning off the engine. Here's why: engaging P gear locks the vehicle to prevent rolling. Turning off the engine first before operating might increase stress on the gears, potentially leading to transmission issues over time. For instance, once at a supermarket exit during an emergency stop, I forgot the sequence and triggered the rollaway warning. Now I've developed this habit: brake → shift to P → engage parking brake → turn off engine. This entire process is effortless and protects the car.