Should You Shift to P Gear Before or After Turning Off the Engine When Parking?
2 Answers
When parking, you should turn off the engine before shifting to P gear. The correct method for parking an automatic transmission vehicle is: 1. After reaching the parking spot, press the brake pedal until the vehicle comes to a complete stop; 2. Shift the gear lever to N (Neutral) without releasing the foot brake; 3. Engage the handbrake, then release the foot brake; 4. After ensuring the vehicle is stable, press the foot brake again, shift to P (Park), and then exit the vehicle and lock it. Parking precautions include: 1. Maintain a greater distance from other vehicles in poor lighting conditions; 2. Always keep your right foot ready on the brake pedal; 3. Avoid slapping the car body or walking with your hand resting on the vehicle; 4. Roll down the windows and turn off the music; 5. Try to park as far away from obstacles as possible.
I believe it's a correct habit to shift into P (Park) before turning off the engine. The P gear is designed to lock the transmission and prevent the vehicle from rolling. If you turn off the engine before shifting into P, the car might roll on a slope, putting extra pressure on the transmission, which can lead to internal component wear over time. I remember once parking on a slope without paying attention to the sequence, and the car slightly moved, giving me a scare. Later, the mechanic said it was lucky no major damage occurred. Engaging the handbrake is also a crucial step, as it helps share the load on the transmission. Developing this sequence can protect your beloved car and save on repair costs. Experienced drivers often emphasize this point, especially in automatic vehicles, where the computer control system relies on proper operation. Try practicing multiple times on flat ground, and you'll develop muscle memory to avoid issues.
