Should an automatic transmission car be shifted to P gear or turned off first when parking?

[ReedLee]

An automatic transmission car should be turned off first when parking. The following is the correct way to turn off the car: 1. First, bring the car to a complete stop. 2. Then shift the gear to N, engage the handbrake, and turn off the engine. 3. Finally, shift the gear to P. Below is an introduction to the P gear: 1. The structure of the P gear is relatively simple, with a pawl next to the gear on the output shaft. When the gear is shifted to P, the pawl engages the gear, thereby locking the output shaft. 2. If you use the P gear on a slope, you don't have to worry about the car rolling, but this doesn't mean you can park without engaging the handbrake. Engaging the handbrake is necessary, and you should only exit the car after doing so to avoid unexpected situations.

[Maximus]

The issue of parking was something I also struggled with when I was learning to drive. The correct sequence is to first bring the car to a complete stop, then engage the handbrake or electronic parking brake to ensure the car doesn't roll. After that, shift into P (Park), and finally turn off the ignition. Why? Because on a slope, if you shift into P and then turn off the ignition directly, the transmission's locking mechanism will bear all the weight, which can lead to part damage over time. I once tried this in a steep parking lot—if the handbrake wasn't fully engaged, shifting into P would cause a noticeable jolt in the car, which isn't good for the transmission. So now, no matter where I park, I always follow the sequence of engaging the handbrake, shifting into P, and then turning off the ignition. After driving for over a year, the transmission still operates very smoothly. Additionally, beginners can start practicing these steps on flat ground to get familiar with them.

[VanKennedy]

I've been driving for almost twenty years, and even something as simple as parking an automatic transmission car requires attention to sequence. My habit is to pull the handbrake immediately after coming to a complete stop, then shift to P gear, and finally turn off the engine and exit the car. Why? On slopes, if you turn off the engine before shifting to P gear, the car might move slightly, putting pressure on the transmission gears. Once when I was younger and driving in the mountains, I didn't pay attention to the sequence, and the transmission made a squeaking noise for a while afterward. Now, every time I park, I make sure the handbrake is securely engaged before shifting to P gear and turning off the engine—simple and safe. Don't complicate it; pulling the handbrake is key, shifting to P gear locks the car, and turning off the engine wraps it up. Develop this habit, and your car will last longer without issues, saving you trips to the repair shop and unnecessary expenses.

[DelJocelyn]

When I first got my driver's license, I asked my instructor how to park properly. He said for automatic transmission vehicles, first come to a complete stop, then engage the handbrake to secure the car, shift to P (Park) gear, and finally turn off the engine. The reasoning is that applying the handbrake prevents the car from rolling, shifting to P gear locks the transmission, and turning off the engine completes the process. During practice at the driving school range, I noticed that if I shifted directly to P gear without engaging the handbrake, especially on slight inclines, the car would wobble slightly, which could potentially damage the vehicle over time. Now I always follow this sequence when parking to ensure both safety and vehicle protection.

[DiAdam]

Having seen numerous transmission issues at the repair shop, the parking sequence is crucial. Recommended steps: After coming to a complete stop, engage the handbrake or electronic brake to ensure the vehicle doesn't move, then shift into P (Park), and finally turn off the engine. Doing it the other way around, such as turning off the engine before shifting into P, subjects the transmission to extra stress on slopes, accelerating gear wear. I've repaired many vehicles where long-term bad habits led to premature major overhauls. So, develop good parking habits—engage the handbrake first to avoid accidents. Also, regularly check the braking system to extend your vehicle's lifespan.

[XavierAnn]

I pay great attention to safety when driving, and the parking sequence directly affects accident prevention. The best method is: immediately pull the handbrake tight after stopping to firmly secure the car; then shift to P gear to lock the transmission; finally turn off the engine. On slopes or in crowded places, not following this sequence may cause the car to slide away—I almost had an accident before. Develop the habit of pulling the handbrake first to protect both the car and others.