Should the P Gear Be Engaged After Turning Off the Engine?
3 Answers
P gear should be engaged after turning off the engine, whether it's a vehicle with a gear lever or a button-operated gear shift. For vehicles with a gear lever, if the engine is turned off without engaging the P gear, the vehicle will emit a warning sound and the dashboard will display a corresponding alert. Button-operated gear shifts are even more stringent; if the engine is turned off without engaging the P gear, the vehicle will remain powered on, equivalent to being in the ACC power mode, and will only power off once the P gear is engaged. The car's gear positions include: 1. P (Parking) Gear: When the gear lever is in this position, the drive wheels are mechanically locked, and the engine can be started; 2. R (Reverse) Gear: Simply press the unlock button on the gear lever without needing to depress the brake pedal; 3. N (Neutral) Gear: When the gear lever is in this position, the transmission idles, and the engine power cannot be transmitted to the drive wheels.
I've been driving automatic transmission cars for about seven or eight years. When I first learned to drive, experienced drivers taught me that the standard parking procedure is to first bring the car to a complete stop, keep the foot brake pressed, then shift to P (Park) to lock the transmission, and finally turn off the engine before getting out. Shifting gears after turning off the engine isn't reliable because once the engine is off, the power is cut, and the gear mechanism might not be properly locked, which could lead to the vehicle rolling and causing an accident. Once, I was in a hurry on a slope and shifted after turning off the engine, nearly causing the car to roll back and hit the wall behind. Now, no matter how busy I am, I always follow the correct sequence—safety is no small matter. Developing this habit also helps protect the transmission from excessive wear and extends the car's lifespan. Using the handbrake along with parking is even safer, especially on slopes. Paying attention to these details in daily car use saves both peace of mind and money, reducing unnecessary repair troubles.
From the mechanism of an automatic transmission, engaging the P (Park) position requires the engine to be running to provide power for locking the internal gears and preventing vehicle movement. After turning off the engine, the power shutdown may cause the gear system to respond less sensitively, resulting in incomplete locking and posing a risk. After understanding this principle, I have always insisted on shifting to P before turning off the engine to ensure proper transmission protection. Incorrect sequences, such as shifting gears after turning off the engine, may lead to transmission damage or component deformation, which can be expensive to repair. It's essential to develop good driving habits and not neglect safety steps for convenience, especially on slippery roads during rainy days, where extra caution is necessary. Regularly checking the transmission fluid condition is also a necessary maintenance practice to detect issues early and prevent accidents.
