Should You Shift to P Gear or Turn Off the Engine First When Parking an Automatic Transmission Car?
2 Answers
When parking an automatic transmission car, you should shift to P gear first. Turning off the engine without shifting to P gear can damage the vehicle. The consequences of turning off the engine without shifting to P gear include engine damage and the inability to remove the key—you must shift back to P gear to remove the key and turn off the engine. The P gear in an automatic transmission is also known as the parking gear or starting gear. When the gear is in this position, the wheels are mechanically locked, preventing the car from rolling. It uses a mechanical device to lock the rotating parts of the car, preventing movement. When the car needs to stay in a fixed position for an extended period, you should engage the handbrake and shift the lever to P before leaving the vehicle. Both P gear and N gear are neutral gears, but the difference is: P gear has a mechanical braking device, so the car will not move once the gear teeth in the transmission are locked by the pawl; N gear has no wheel-locking mechanism and requires the use of the handbrake or brake pedal to stop the wheels.
As a young driver who has driven quite a few automatic cars, my personal experience is that shifting to P (Park) before turning off the engine is safer and more convenient. I remember one time when parking on a slope, a friend suggested turning off the engine first and then shifting gears, but the car rolled back slightly—it was terrifying. Luckily, I reacted quickly and nothing bad happened. Since then, I've made it a habit: when parking, firmly press the brake, shift to P to confirm the wheels are locked, and then turn off the engine effortlessly. If you turn off the engine first, the car might not be fully secured, especially on steep slopes or windy areas, which could lead to sliding, accidents, or damage to the transmission components. Paying attention to these small details while driving not only protects your car but also gives you peace of mind, saving you from unnecessary repair hassles—and honestly, it’s quite cost-effective too.
