Should an Automatic Transmission Car Be Shifted to P Gear First or Turned Off First When Parking?
2 Answers
The correct sequence is to press the brake, shift gears, engage the handbrake, turn off the engine, and then shift to P gear. The reasons are as follows: First, releasing the foot brake and engaging the handbrake can cause wear to the transmission: For example, when driving on a slope, such an operation will cause wear to the transmission. When encountering a slope, you can press the brake, engage the handbrake, then release the brake, and shift the DNP gears in order. Second, the impact of incorrect sequence: Everyone's driving techniques are definitely not exactly the same. Parking does not necessarily have to follow a fixed procedure. Parking decisions should be made based on the surrounding environment of the parking location. If done improperly, it may cause certain damage to some parts of the car, which might not be noticeable in the short term, but small issues can accumulate and lead to significant problems over time. Minor wear might seem insignificant to the car, but continuous small wear is not a small harm to the vehicle.
I remember driving an automatic transmission car for ten years, and my routine in parking lots and at home was always this sequence: after stopping firmly by pressing the brake, first shift to Neutral (N) to relax the car, engage the handbrake to secure the wheels, then shift to Park (P) to lock the transmission, and finally turn off the ignition. Why do this? While directly shifting to P and turning off seems convenient, if the car isn’t completely stable, the transmission's parking pawl might get stuck, leading to wear over time. I once tried shifting directly to P on a slope, and the next time I drove, shifting gears felt rough. Developing this habit protects components and extends lifespan, especially in hilly urban areas. It’s advisable to spend an extra two seconds engaging the handbrake each time you park—safe and hassle-free.
