Should You Shift to P Gear or Turn Off the Engine First in an Automatic Transmission?

[DylanMarie]

When parking an automatic transmission vehicle, first shift to P gear and then turn off the engine. Below is relevant information: P Gear: P gear is the most common gear in automatic transmission vehicles, usually located at the foremost position of the gear shift console, in front of the R gear. Its purpose is to lock the axle when the car is stationary on a slope. P gear is a special neutral gear that mechanically locks the output shaft of the transmission to secure the vehicle. Its function is to act as a brake after parking, preventing the vehicle from moving. Parking on a Slope: If the parking spot is on a slope, after turning off the engine in N gear, you must engage the handbrake to prevent the car from rolling. If you use P gear on a slope, you don't have to worry about the car rolling, but this doesn't mean you can skip the handbrake when parking in P gear. Always engage the handbrake before getting out of the car to avoid unexpected situations.

[DelQuinn]

I've been driving for over 20 years, and the matter of parking an automatic transmission car really requires careful consideration. At first, I thought the sequence didn't matter, but after several transmission repairs, I learned my lesson. When parking, you must shift to P (Park) before turning off the engine. Why? Because P is the parking gear that locks the transmission gears, preventing the vehicle from rolling or getting damaged. If you turn off the engine first and then shift to P, the engine stops but the gears are still turning, forcing it into gear will wear out internal components, and over time, the transmission will be ruined. Now, my parking routine is fixed: brake to a complete stop, shift to N (Neutral) to release pressure, engage the handbrake, shift to P, and then turn off the engine. Especially on slopes, be extra cautious—pull the handbrake tight before shifting to P to prevent rolling. During maintenance, remember to check the shift mechanism and don't delay the oil change intervals. This way, the car lasts longer and stays reliable. Once you develop the habit, there are fewer breakdowns, making trips more worry-free.

[EvangelineLynn]

I've been commuting to work for five years, driving an automatic transmission car every day, and have developed a habit for the parking sequence. First shift to P gear, then turn off the engine—it's a smooth, one-step process. As long as the dashboard shows P gear before shutting down, it means everything's fine. I once tried turning off the engine before shifting to P gear and felt the gear lever was stiff with a clicking sound. After checking some materials, I learned it could damage the transmission. Now, my routine is simple: stop the car, shift to P gear, turn off the engine, and walk away—super convenient. I don’t focus on advanced driving techniques, but small details matter. I’ve heard that incorrect operations can lead to costly and time-consuming transmission repairs. Sticking to this habit has kept my car in great condition, saving both money and effort. Occasionally, when I teach friends, they say it’s too much trouble, but I tell them to try it and see the benefits. During regular maintenance, I always remind the technician to check the shifting system—safety first.

[StEmily]

My car repair experience tells me that the parking sequence for automatic transmissions cannot be wrong. First shift to P gear and then turn off the engine, because P gear locks the output shaft to prevent rolling and damaging the transmission. Reverse operation: turning off the engine before shifting to P gear can cause gear misalignment and wear parts. When parking, apply the handbrake before shifting to P gear to reduce the load. Checking for smooth gear shifting is important, and regular maintenance saves money and hassle.