Should You Shift Directly to P Gear or First to N Gear Before Turning Off an Automatic Transmission Car?
1 Answers
The correct procedure for parking an automatic transmission car is to first shift to N gear, engage the handbrake, and then shift to P gear before turning off the engine. This method not only prevents damage to the car's transmission but also provides some protection. However, it is crucial to ensure that the vehicle has completely stopped moving or that the handbrake is fully engaged before turning off the engine. Additionally, when shifting gears while stationary, make sure the vehicle is in a braked state to prevent any unintended movement. Below is more information about automatic transmission cars: 1. Engine Start Limitation: For safety reasons, manufacturers have set limitations on gear positions when starting the engine. Generally, the engine can only be started when the gear lever is in P or N position. If the gear lever is in a driving position such as D or R, the engine will not start. This restriction is designed to prevent collisions with objects in front of or behind the car. If a beginner cannot start the engine, they should first check if the gear is in the wrong position. If it is not in P or N, adjust it accordingly before starting the car. 2. Shifting to Driving Gears: When starting the car to move, the brake pedal must be pressed before shifting the gear lever from P or N to a driving gear. Releasing the brake pedal will allow the car to move slowly. The purpose of pressing the brake beforehand is to ensure the safety of both the driver and the vehicle. Otherwise, if the engine starts and the car is shifted into a driving gear, it may move unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a collision if the driver is not quick to react. 3. Avoid Coasting in N Gear: Since automatic transmissions require lubrication, shifting to N gear while driving prevents the oil pump from supplying oil properly, leading to increased internal temperatures and potential severe damage to the transmission. Additionally, coasting in neutral at high speeds is very dangerous and does not save fuel. However, it is acceptable to shift to N gear when coasting to a stop at low speeds.
