Should You Shift to P Gear or Turn Off the Engine First When Parking an Automatic Transmission Car?
4 Answers
When parking an automatic transmission car, you should turn off the engine first and then shift to P gear. This applies to both models with gear shift levers and those with button shifters. The P gear can be engaged after the engine is turned off. For models with gear shift levers, if the engine is turned off without being in P gear, the vehicle will emit a warning sound and the dashboard will display a corresponding alert. An automatic transmission refers to a system where the driver does not need to manually shift gears; the vehicle automatically selects the appropriate gear based on driving speed and traffic conditions. The gears in an automatic transmission car include: 1. R (Reverse Gear): Simply press the unlock button on the gear shift lever without needing to depress the brake pedal; 2. N (Neutral Gear): When the gear shift lever is in this position, the transmission idles and the engine power cannot be transmitted to the drive wheels.
I've been driving automatic transmission cars for over a decade, and I always shift to P gear before turning off the engine. This prevents the car from suddenly sliding, making it especially safe. I remember when I first bought the car, I once parked on a slope in the neighborhood and forgot to shift to P gear before turning off the engine. The car rolled and hit the neighbor's wall, costing me a hefty sum in compensation. Since then, I've strictly followed the correct sequence: shift to P gear first to lock the transmission, preventing damage to the transmission or braking system. If parking on a slope, I double-secure it by shifting to P gear and pulling the handbrake before turning off the engine. Developing this habit can save a lot on repair costs and bring peace of mind. It's just a few simple steps—don't be lazy about it.
When it comes to parking, I always prioritize safety by shifting to P (Park) first before turning off the engine. The reason is straightforward: if you turn off the engine first, the transmission isn't locked yet. On a slope or uneven ground, the car might roll away. I know a friend who once forgot to shift to P in a hurry after parking—the car rolled backward and nearly hit someone after he got out. It was terrifying. Safety comes first; don't underestimate the importance of this sequence. Cars are valuable assets, and improper operation can damage the engine or drivetrain. I recommend checking your vehicle's manual—most manufacturers actually design their cars with this recommended procedure. Proper operation protects both lives and your car.
From a car maintenance perspective, I always engage the P (Park) gear before turning off the engine. Automatic transmissions have a locking mechanism that secures the vehicle when P gear is engaged, preventing gear impact damage. If you turn off the engine first and then shift to P gear, the car may still be in an inertial state, potentially causing faster wear on transmission components. I've developed a habit of checking the sequence every time I park: pull the handbrake, shift to P gear, and then turn off the engine. This practice is both worry-free and cost-effective, reducing the frequency of visits to the repair shop. Small actions bring significant benefits—don't overlook these details.
