Should an automatic transmission car be turned off first or shifted into P gear first?
2 Answers
It should be turned off first and then shifted into P gear. The correct shutdown procedure is to stabilize the car, shift the gear to N, engage the handbrake, turn off the engine, and then shift the gear to P. Here are the relevant introductions: 1. Automatic transmission: As the name suggests, an automatic transmission does not require the driver to manually shift gears. The vehicle will automatically select the appropriate gear based on the driving speed and traffic conditions. Generally, an automatic transmission car has six gear positions, from top to bottom: P, R, N, D, S, L. 2. Automatic principle: The engine's power is transmitted through the gearbox, which is also a key factor affecting fuel consumption. Generally, an automatic transmission consumes more than 10% more fuel than a manual transmission.
For years, I've strictly followed this parking sequence: After stopping, keep the brake pedal depressed, shift into P (Park) to lock the transmission, and only then turn off the engine. This is because automatic transmissions have a parking pawl mechanism in P gear. If you turn off the engine before shifting, slight vehicle movement or pressure may subject the transmission to unnecessary torsional stress. This practice becomes particularly crucial when parking on slopes or uneven surfaces, preventing premature component wear like gear deformation or electronic control module failures. I've personally witnessed friends incurring costly repairs due to incorrect operation – simply not worth it. Cultivating this habit not only protects your vehicle but also enhances overall driving safety by preventing accidents. In real-world scenarios, both owner's manuals and most automotive technicians recommend this sequence, making it ideal to incorporate into your daily parking routine.
