Should an Automatic Transmission Car Be Shifted to P Gear First or Turned Off First When Parking?

[VonLuke]

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.

[AddysonLynn]

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.

[MacErin]

When it comes to parking sequence, I believe the most reliable method is: Keep the brake pressed after the car comes to a complete stop, shift to N (Neutral) and let the engine idle briefly to release pressure, engage the electronic parking brake or pull the manual handbrake firmly, then shift to P (Park) to fully lock the wheels, and finally turn off the engine. The reason? If you directly shift from D (Drive) to P and turn off the engine, the transmission lacks a buffer, which can easily cause gear impact, especially in high temperatures or during traffic jams when it's worse. I've driven various cars, and this sequence works for both older and newer models, also helping to avoid strange noises during startup. When parking on a slope, it's even more crucial to engage the parking brake firmly before shifting to P, otherwise, there's a higher risk of the car rolling. I've followed this routine for many years, and even after changing cars, I've never encountered any malfunctions.

[LaJoy]

When I first started learning to drive, I often got confused. Later, I discovered the correct method: press the brake until the car comes to a complete stop, shift to N (Neutral) gear, let the car sit for a few seconds, then engage the handbrake, followed by shifting to P (Park) to ensure safety, and finally turn off the engine. Although directly shifting to P and turning off the engine is quicker, it may leave stress on the internal gears of the transmission unreleased, which could harm the car in the long run. For example, in a shopping mall parking lot, after following this sequence, my gear shifts were smooth without any delay. I recommend that beginners practice this more to develop the habit and reduce future repair troubles.

[SanLayla]

Here's how I prefer to park: After the vehicle comes to a complete stop, I first shift to Neutral (N) and let it idle briefly, then engage the handbrake to secure the wheel position, shift to Park (P) to lock the transmission, and finally turn off the engine. Going straight to P and shutting down can cause slight gear misalignment, especially in cold weather or after heavy loads, affecting durability. For daily routines like school drop-offs, following this sequence makes the car respond more smoothly. On slopes, extra caution is needed—always fully engage the handbrake before shifting to P to prevent rolling. That extra step prevents major issues—totally worth it.

[Ashlyn]

As someone who frequently commutes in the city, my parking routine is: after stabilizing with the brakes, shift to N to release power, engage the handbrake to stabilize the vehicle, then shift to P to rest the gears before turning off the engine. Jumping directly to P and shutting down carries risks, potentially damaging the internal transmission. For example, on underground parking ramps, I always remember to engage the handbrake before shifting to P to avoid difficulty starting. Developing this sequence has saved me repair costs and is suitable for various automatic transmission models.