Should an Automatic Transmission Car Be Turned Off First or Shifted to P Gear First When Parking?
2 Answers
For an automatic transmission car, you should shift to P gear before turning off the engine. The specific steps are as follows: 1. Press the brake to slow down and stop the car at the intended location. Once the car is completely stopped, shift the gear to N (Neutral); 2. Straighten the steering wheel and pull up the handbrake, but do not release the brake pedal yet; 3. Shift the gear to P (Park), then release the foot brake; 4. After turning off all electrical equipment in the car, check again to ensure the gear is in P, then turn off the engine and exit the vehicle. The gears in an automatic transmission car include: 1. R (Reverse): Used when reversing. Ensure the vehicle is completely stopped and the engine speed is not too high to avoid damaging the transmission; 2. N (Neutral): Generally used for short stops. You can shift directly from R or D (Drive) to N.
As a veteran driver with twenty years of experience in automatic transmission cars, I must emphasize the importance of shifting to P (Park) before turning off the engine. This is a habit I've cultivated for a long time because failing to do so may result in accidentally shifting gears while the engine is off, subjecting the transmission to unnecessary stress, which can lead to damage over time. Especially when parking on a slope, I always firmly press the brake, shift to N (Neutral) to ensure the car comes to a complete stop, then engage the parking brake before shifting to P and turning off the engine. This ensures the transmission gears are securely locked, preventing the car from rolling and maximizing safety. New car owners often overlook this detail, only realizing the gear lever is stuck after turning off the engine. In case of an accident, the repair costs can be substantial. In short, always shift to P first—it protects your car, ensures safety, and saves a lot of hassle.
