What are the steps to park and turn off an automatic transmission car?
3 Answers
The steps to park and turn off an automatic transmission car are: First, press the brake pedal, then shift into P (Park) gear, and finally engage the parking brake (either engaging the parking brake first or shifting into P gear first is perfectly acceptable). When starting an automatic transmission car, you need to first press the brake pedal, then start the engine—do not release the brake pedal at this point. After releasing the parking brake, shift into D (Drive) gear and then release the brake pedal. The P gear in an automatic transmission car has a locking mechanism. Once shifted into P gear, this mechanism locks the transmission gears, effectively locking the wheels indirectly. In this state, the car will not move even without engaging the parking brake. Automatic transmission cars also have an N (Neutral) gear, which is also known as the neutral position. When shifted into N gear, the car can move without the parking brake engaged. When waiting at a red light, it is recommended to shift into N gear. If shifted into P gear and the car is rear-ended by another vehicle, the transmission may be damaged.
When it comes to parking and turning off the engine, I have my own routine that prioritizes safety every time. First, I bring the car to a complete stop, firmly pressing the brake pedal to ensure it doesn't move an inch before shifting gears. Then, I shift the gear lever to 'P' (Park), which locks the transmission and prevents the car from rolling backward, especially important on slopes for added safety. Next, I engage the handbrake or electronic brake for double protection. Only then do I turn off the engine. Sticking to this sequence is crucial to avoid accidental damage to components. After shutting down, I always check that the doors and windows are locked and the lights are off to prevent battery drain. If parked on a steep slope, I make sure to shift to 'P' before applying the handbrake—never the reverse—to minimize wear on the drivetrain. Practicing this routine regularly turns it into second nature, ensuring peace of mind and hassle-free parking.
When I first learned to drive, I thought stopping and turning off the engine was simple, but I got a scare when I saw the car roll. Now I know the steps: first stop and keep your foot on the brake, then shift the gear to P, which stands for Parking. Pull up the handbrake to ensure it doesn't move, and only then turn off the engine. Beginners often forget a step or mix up the order—remember P is for Parking, the handbrake is the Brake, and turning off is Off. I practiced a few times and got the hang of it, plus a tip: wait two seconds before turning off the engine to let the system buffer, reducing impact. For daily parking, don’t rush—take it step by step. Even for short stops like picking someone up, follow this routine to build good habits for peace of mind and safety.
