Should You Turn Off the Engine or Shift to P Gear First When Parking an Automatic Transmission Car?
3 Answers
When parking an automatic transmission car, you should turn off the engine before shifting to P gear. The steps for parking an automatic transmission car are as follows: 1. Press the brake to come to a complete stop; 2. Shift the gear from D to N; 3. Engage the handbrake and turn off the engine; 4. Release the foot brake without turning off the power to ensure the car is completely stabilized under the handbrake; 5. Press the foot brake and shift the gear from N to P; 6. Release the foot brake; 7. Turn the key back to the off position and remove it. An automatic transmission car is a vehicle where the driver controls the accelerator pedal according to driving needs, and the car automatically shifts into different gears based on engine load and driving conditions.
When driving an automatic car, I always make it a habit to shift into P (Park) first before turning off the engine. This locks the transmission and prevents the vehicle from accidentally rolling. If you turn off the engine first, the car remains in neutral, which can easily lead to rolling, especially when parked on a slope, putting unnecessary stress on the transmission. I think this is very important because it concerns both safety and vehicle durability. Remember to also engage the parking brake after stopping—double protection for peace of mind. From experience, beginners often overlook this sequence, but developing good habits can prevent a lot of trouble. For example, in parking lots or at home, ensuring the correct steps keeps the vehicle stable. In short, shifting into P before turning off the engine is the standard procedure—it protects mechanical components and gives me more confidence while driving.
As a daily driver, I've found that shifting into P (Park) before turning off the engine is the most reliable method. This is because the P position locks the transmission, directly preventing movement; whereas shifting gears after engine shutdown may cause gear jamming or rough operation. I once experienced a slight vehicle slide when parking on a slope due to incorrect procedure - fortunately without consequences. Since then, I've strictly followed this sequence: firmly press the brake, shift to P, engage the parking brake, then turn off the ignition. An additional tip is to regularly inspect the braking system to ensure everything remains secure. Maintaining this order is simple and safe, preventing minor mishaps and ensuring smooth parking every time. After developing this habit, driving has become much more worry-free.
