What are the steps to turn off an automatic transmission car?
2 Answers
Here are the steps to turn off an automatic transmission car: 1. First, slow down the car and press the brake, then shift to N (Neutral) gear. 2. Pull the handbrake and release the foot brake. After the car comes to a complete stop, shift to P (Park) gear. 3. Turn off the ignition and remove the key to complete the shutdown. Below is additional information about the braking system of automatic transmission cars: 1. There are three components in an automatic transmission car that have braking functions: the foot brake, handbrake, and P (Park) gear. 2. On a slope, if the handbrake is not engaged and the foot brake is not pressed while the car is in N (Neutral) gear, the car may move (roll). 3. On a slope, if the car is in P (Park) gear without the handbrake engaged and the foot brake is released, the force of the car's movement will be on the P (Park) gear. This can damage the transmission and may cause the gear to lock.
Having driven for over a decade, I believe turning off an automatic transmission car is a basic operation that must follow the correct sequence. After the car comes to a complete stop, keep your right foot firmly on the brake pedal—never release it. Then, shift the gear lever to the P (Park) position, a crucial step to prevent the car from rolling on slopes and causing accidents. Next, pull up the handbrake lever or press the electronic parking brake button, ensuring the car doesn’t move. Finally, turn off the engine: for older cars, turn the key all the way; for newer cars with push-button start, simply press the button. After shutting down, check if the headlights and air conditioning are off to save power and protect the battery. Developing this habit not only ensures safety but also extends the transmission’s lifespan, reducing daily driving issues.