Should You Shift to P Gear Before or After Turning Off an Automatic Transmission Car?
2 Answers
For an automatic transmission car, you should shift to P gear after turning off the engine. The correct parking steps for an automatic transmission car are: 1. Press the brake pedal to bring the car to a complete stop; 2. Shift the gear from D (Drive) to N (Neutral); 3. Engage the handbrake and turn off the engine; 4. Release the foot brake while keeping the power on to ensure the car is completely stabilized by the handbrake; 5. Press the foot brake again and shift the gear from N to P (Park); 6. Release the foot brake; 7. Turn the key back to the off position and remove it. An automatic transmission allows the driver to control the accelerator pedal according to driving needs, and it automatically shifts between different gears based on engine load and the car's operating conditions.
I've been driving automatic transmission cars for over a decade, and I always shift to P before turning off the engine. The principle is simple: after the car comes to a complete stop, keep the brake pedal depressed, quickly shift to P position, and then turn off the engine - this locks the transmission to prevent rolling. I remember when I first started driving, I didn't know better and turned off the engine in N gear once; the car rolled a few centimeters and almost hit a wall. Now it's become second nature, especially when parking on slopes where extra caution is needed. Developing good habits extends vehicle lifespan, particularly important for automatic transmissions whose gear systems are more delicate and prone to wear from improper operation. Parking isn't just about turning off the engine - properly engaging the parking brake is equally crucial to avoid tire strain. In short, shifting to P before shutdown makes the whole process smooth and safe.
