What are the steps to remove the key from an automatic transmission car?
4 Answers
Depress the car's brake pedal to slow down the vehicle. Park the vehicle on a safe road surface. Shift the car's gear lever to the P (Park) position. Pull up the car's electronic parking brake switch. Turn the car key to the OFF position to shut off the engine, then the key can be removed.
When I have an automatic transmission car, pulling out the key is actually quite simple: first, make sure the car is parked steadily, the gear is in P (Park), and then after turning off the engine, twist the key to pull it out. If you don't shift to P, the key won't turn—that's a safety design to prevent rolling. Every time I park, I've developed the habit of checking the gear to avoid accidents. Once, I was in a hurry to get out and forgot to shift to P, causing the car to roll slightly a few centimeters and almost hit something. Since then, I've been more careful with my actions. Some modern cars have additional buttons to press, but the core is confirming the P gear. Practicing more to form an instinctive reaction reduces risks.
With 20 years of driving experience, I remind everyone of the key points when removing the key: Shift to P position, then gently turn the key after turning off the engine. Failure to do so may cause the key to get stuck or the car to slide dangerously. A friend once couldn't remove the key because they didn't shift to P, creating a mess. The correct procedure isn't just about removing the key, but also ensuring the vehicle is stable and wheels are secured. For safety, it's advisable to engage the handbrake as a double precaution. Key operation reflects vehicle status—if it's frequently difficult to remove, check the ignition switch or electronic systems for faults and repair promptly. Developing good habits is crucial to protect yourself and others.
As a novice driver, I was once confused about removing the key when learning automatic transmission. A friend taught me to first park the car, press the brake, shift the gear to P, then turn off the engine to remove the key. If the gear is in the wrong position, the key won't turn, which is a safety feature. After practicing a few times, I now always check that the gear is in P before operating to prevent mistakes. I recommend that beginners pay more attention to the dashboard prompts and get familiar with the feeling without rushing.
