What are the disadvantages of shifting to P gear after turning off the engine in N gear?
3 Answers
Disadvantages of shifting to P gear after turning off the engine in N gear: Generally, vehicles may slightly move forward or backward due to uneven road surfaces. At this time, the P gear transmission has an engagement device that is locked with the transmission gears, and this movement may cause some impact on the transmission gears. Over time, it may lead to loosening of the transmission gears. Below is the correct sequence for parking an automatic transmission vehicle: 1. First, press the brake to stop the car—shift to N gear—engage the handbrake—shift to P gear—turn off the engine and remove the key. Press the brake to bring the car to a complete stop, then shift to N gear for parking. Remember not to release the brake during this time, then engage the handbrake. At this point, you can release the brake slightly to check if the car rolls, to determine if the handbrake is properly engaged. 2. If the car does not move, press the brake again to shift to P gear, then release the brake slightly to check. Finally, if there are no issues, you can turn off the engine and remove the key while pressing the brake, then release the foot brake and exit the vehicle.
I remember when I first started driving, I often made this mistake too—turning off the engine in N gear and casually shifting to P gear, thinking it was more convenient. But once, when parked on a slope, the car slid slightly and almost hit the vehicle next to me. I also noticed a faint abnormal noise from the transmission. Later, when I asked a mechanic, I learned that this practice puts unnecessary stress on the transmission's locking mechanism. Especially on slopes, shifting to P gear before the car is completely still can cause gear wear or even jamming. Over time, repair costs can skyrocket. The correct procedure is: first, bring the car to a complete stop, shift to P gear, engage the parking brake, and then turn off the engine—this is a habit you should develop no matter what car you drive. Safety first, and it also extends the vehicle's lifespan. Develop a routine for parking; don’t rush and overlook details. This is a lesson learned the hard way.
Once I turned off the engine in N gear in a mall basement before shifting to P gear, and the car made a loud clunk sound, which scared me into immediately restarting to check. The mechanic said this operation carries significant risks: when the vehicle is in N gear, it's not secured and could easily roll on steep slopes, potentially causing injuries; shifting to P gear after turning off the engine puts all the pressure on the transmission, accelerating wear and leading to costly part replacements. The best practice is to shift to P gear first and then turn off the engine after parking, combined with using the handbrake to prevent any accidents. Developing good habits can save a lot of trouble—I've been driving for ten years and always pay attention to details to avoid major issues. Remember these tips: keep the engine running until you've finished shifting gears when parking, and don't let laziness ruin your beloved car.
