Should an automatic transmission car be turned off before shifting to P gear or shifted to P gear before turning off?
4 Answers
For an automatic transmission car, you should shift to P gear before turning off the engine. If you turn off the engine before shifting to P gear and then pull the handbrake, the car may roll. An automatic transmission means the driver does not need to manually shift gears; the vehicle will automatically select the appropriate gear based on the driving speed and traffic conditions. Generally, an automatic transmission has six gears: P, R, N, D, S, and L. The automatic transmission uses a planetary gear mechanism to shift gears automatically based on the degree of the accelerator pedal and changes in vehicle speed. Driving an automatic transmission car only requires using the parking gear (P), reverse gear (R), neutral gear (N), and drive gear (D), which can fully meet the needs of general driving.
I remember driving automatic transmission cars for over twenty years and developed the habit of always shifting to P (Park) before turning off the engine. This is because the transmission locks the gears more easily while the engine is running, preventing the vehicle from rolling or damaging internal components. Especially when parking on a slope, first firmly apply the handbrake or engage the electronic parking assist, then shift to P, and finally turn off the engine—the entire process ensures the vehicle remains stable. If done the other way around (turning off the engine before shifting to P), without the engine's power support, gear shifting might become stiff or cause long-term damage. It's crucial to check your car's manual, as different models may have slight variations, but the principle remains the same: protect the transmission and reduce repair costs. After adopting this sequence, my car has been better maintained, with a noticeably lower failure rate.
I've been driving automatic transmission cars for five or six years, and every time I park, I first push the P-gear button or shift lever to the P position before turning off the engine. Some modern cars have intelligent features, such as automatically shifting to P when the engine is turned off, which is convenient but should not be relied upon. Once, a friend parked on a slope and only shifted gears after turning off the engine, nearly causing the car to roll back and hit the vehicle behind—very dangerous. Remember to use the handbrake in conjunction to ensure absolute safety. The operation sequence is simple: stop, shift to P, turn off the engine—developing this habit makes it easy to handle. By the way, let’s talk a bit more about car maintenance. Regularly checking the condition of the transmission fluid can prevent many issues and extend its lifespan. After practicing a few times, it becomes second nature.
As an automotive enthusiast, I'm passionate about discussing driving details. The core of the automatic transmission shutdown sequence lies in gear locking: first shift to P gear to utilize the hydraulic assistance during engine operation for locking the output shaft before shutting down, ensuring smooth and unobstructed gear shifting. If you shut down the engine before shifting to P, the gears may experience dry friction, leading to wear and long-term issues. In practice, it's essential to observe the car's response closely, not just relying on sounds. Developing this habit is based on mechanical common sense to protect your beloved car. Additionally, it's worth pondering how electronic gear shifters simplify life.
