What are the hazards of turning off the engine without shifting to P gear?
3 Answers
The hazard of turning off the engine without shifting to P gear is that it affects the lifespan of the car's transmission and may lead to transmission wear or even failure. When driving, it is important to pay attention to the correct use of car gears. Below is a detailed introduction about car gears: Speed range: First gear corresponds to a speed of 0-5 km/h. Second gear corresponds to a speed of 5-20 km/h, third gear corresponds to 20-40 km/h, fourth gear corresponds to 40-60 km/h, and fifth gear corresponds to 60-100 km/h. Gear shifting timing: Generally, the gear shifting timing for most cars is when the engine speed reaches 2000 r/min, and it should not exceed 2500 r/min. For some high-displacement and high-power engines, shifting can be done at around 3000 r/min.
Once I forgot to shift into Park before turning off the engine, and the car slightly rolled in the parking lot, nearly hitting the neighboring vehicle! That's when I learned that in an automatic transmission vehicle, the Park gear specifically locks the transmission's wheel position to prevent the car from moving. Turning off the engine directly leaves the transmission gears exposed. If the road is uneven or on a slope, the car might roll, causing gear impact damage. Over time, this can lead to premature transmission failure. Moreover, it poses significant safety risks, especially if the car accidentally rolls while parking, potentially causing injury to others or oneself. After this lesson, I always remind myself to shift into Park before turning off the engine. Developing this good habit can save a lot on repair costs and trouble, as replacing a transmission is no small matter.
As an experienced driver, I must say that frequently turning off the engine without shifting to Park (P) can seriously damage your car. The purpose of the P gear is to lock the transmission output shaft, keeping the vehicle stationary when parked. Turning off the engine directly bypasses this protective mechanism, and residual torque between transmission gears may suddenly release, impacting components. Over time, this can lead to gear wear or sensor failures, especially in modern cars with electronic monitoring systems that may trigger error codes affecting startup. From a safety perspective, parking on a slope without P gear increases the risk of rolling and accidents. I recommend drivers develop proper habits: shift to P first, engage the parking brake, then turn off the engine. Regular maintenance should include checking transmission fluid to ensure everything functions correctly.
