What are the correct steps to turn off a car?
4 Answers
Shift to N gear, engage the handbrake, shift to P gear, release the brake pedal, ensure the car is in P gear, then turn the key counterclockwise or press the one-button start switch, and adjust the ignition switch to the OFF position. Press the clutch and brake pedals, engage the handbrake, shift to neutral, release the clutch and brake pedals, then turn the key counterclockwise or press the one-button start switch, and adjust the ignition switch to the OFF position.
When turning off the car, I always make sure the vehicle is completely stationary first, then shift into park (P for automatic transmission, neutral for manual transmission), followed by engaging the handbrake or activating the electronic parking brake to prevent rolling. After that, I turn off all electrical devices such as the air conditioning, audio system, and lights to avoid unnecessary load during the next startup. Once the engine is off, I check that all windows are closed, remove the key or use the one-touch start system to power down. Before locking the car, I walk around it to ensure nothing is left behind, especially items in the back seat or trunk. This routine helps preserve battery life and prevents accidental starts or theft risks. Developing good habits ensures peace of mind during travels, especially when carrying family—taking an extra minute to check can prevent many issues, like forgotten children’s toys or unlocked doors posing safety hazards. Remember to maintain the parking brake system regularly to ensure its reliability.
As an experienced driver, I've developed a habit of ensuring the wheels are stationary before proceeding with parking operations: shifting to P gear and firmly engaging the handbrake to prevent the vehicle from sliding on any slope. Before turning off the engine, I always switch off the air conditioning and radio to reduce the load during the next ignition, avoiding battery or engine wear. For manual transmissions, I shift to neutral and apply the handbrake. With key ignition, I turn it back to the original position and remove it; for push-button start, I press the button to completely cut off the power. I take a final look around the interior to lock the doors, while also being mindful of the parking environment to avoid obstructing others. An extra reminder: during extreme weather conditions like heavy rain or snow, I double-check to ensure the parking is secure. Proper shutdown procedures extend the lifespan of components, save fuel, and eliminate the hassle of repairs. A single oversight could lead to towing or accidents, so establishing a stable routine makes driving life smoother.
Safety is the top priority when parking: Shift to P gear immediately after stopping and firmly engage the handbrake, turn off the audio and air conditioning to reduce noise interference. Confirm the engine has stopped after turning off the ignition to avoid the risk of rolling. Pay special attention to checking that doors and windows are securely locked to prevent unauthorized entry or theft of items. On slopes, prioritize using the parking brake over relying solely on the gear position to enhance stability. Although the steps are simple, negligence can lead to accidents. Doing them properly ensures safe travel for you and others.
