Should You Turn Off the Engine or Shift to Park First in an Automatic Transmission Car?

[MacHaley]

In an automatic transmission car, you should shift to Park (P) first before turning off the engine. Nowadays, more and more car models are designed so that you cannot turn off the engine without shifting to P gear. The P gear has an additional locking gear compared to Neutral (N). When the car is in N gear (neutral), it can move if subjected to external force. However, when shifted to P gear, the locking gear secures the output shaft gear of the transmission, preventing the car from moving even under external force, thus effectively keeping the vehicle stationary. Shifting to P gear before turning off the engine is a safety measure. Before shifting to P gear, always engage the handbrake first, as only the handbrake can truly prevent the car from moving. In the event of external force, engage the handbrake first to bear the force, then shift to P gear to let the P gear take the load.

[LeValentina]

I've been driving automatic transmission cars for over a decade, and I always follow the proper parking procedure: first brake to a complete stop, then shift to P and engage the handbrake, finally turn off the engine. This sequence is crucial because the transmission locks the gears when shifted to P, preventing rolling or internal component damage. If you turn off the engine before shifting, the powertrain might not fully reset, potentially causing clutch slippage or gear impact. This habit not only protects the vehicle but also saves repair costs; my friend who often reversed the sequence had his transmission repaired several times, costing extra money and compromising safety. Proper parking procedures prevent accidents - for example, incorrect sequence on slopes might cause tire slippage and injuries. I recommend developing good habits, checking manual details for daily driving reliability and peace of mind.

[VonFelicity]

As someone who has repaired multiple vehicles, I emphasize the importance of shifting to P (Park) before turning off the engine. The reason is that after the engine is off, the hydraulic system fails, preventing the transmission from automatically locking. Over time, this leads to increased gear wear and deformation of shifting components, resulting in high repair costs. Many car owners do the opposite in daily use, and when the car is brought to the shop and disassembled, deep wear marks are found inside, indicating that the protection mechanism did not function. Additionally, proper parking procedures help extend the lifespan of the brakes, as using the parking brake in conjunction with P (Park) provides dual anti-slip protection, especially on rainy slopes. If the engine is turned off first, the electronic system may lose power, leading to incorrect gear judgments and fault codes, increasing driving risks. Don’t underestimate this detail—it affects the safety and durability of the vehicle. Adding this small step during regular maintenance can save significant money in the long run.

[LaArya]

Every day when I commute and park, I follow this routine: After coming to a complete stop, I keep my foot on the brake, shift to P (Park), engage the electronic parking brake, then release the brake pedal and turn off the ignition. This sequence is simple but becomes second nature once you're used to it. As a newbie, I once made the mistake of turning off the engine first, which caused a loud clunking noise when shifting gears—scared me enough to look it up and learn why: The P gear is designed to hydraulically lock the vehicle to prevent movement, and cutting power deactivates this mechanism. Now, after five years with my car, the transmission remains trouble-free, which is a relief. Related tips include parking on level ground daily and using wheel chocks on slopes for extra stability. Mastering this sequence and developing good habits makes city driving a bit easier.