What does 'off' mean in an automatic transmission car?

[Alana]

In an automatic transmission car, the 'off' button means 'turn off', which is the button to deactivate a system. There are many 'off' buttons in different parts of the car. Some systems in the car are turned on by default, so the 'off' button is set up. If you want to turn off these auxiliary systems, you can press 'off' to deactivate them. Here are some examples: 1. 'OFF' on the air conditioning control panel: When the vehicle's air conditioning system is working normally, pressing the 'OFF' button on the control panel can turn off the system. Most air conditioning control panels do not have a separate 'ON' button. Pressing any button on the control panel can turn on the system. 2. 'OFF' on other vehicle systems: For example, the light switch, wiper switch, and cruise control switch all have an 'OFF' mark. When the corresponding operation is performed to the corresponding gear, the system will be turned off.

[DelJulianna]

I've been driving automatic transmission cars for over 20 years. 'Off' actually refers to the shutdown or power-off state. Simply put, it means turning the car key to the off position, where the engine completely stops running, all power is cut off, and the car comes to a halt. This is unrelated to the transmission gear positions, which have their own functions like P (Park) for stopping and R (Reverse) for backing up. When parking, you must combine 'off' with the P gear; otherwise, the car might roll downhill, which is very unsafe. Some people forget to turn 'off,' and the battery slowly drains. I've experienced a few mornings when the car wouldn't start because of this. Developing a good habit of turning 'off' every time you park protects the engine and extends battery life.

[Matteo]

I just learned to drive an automatic transmission not long ago. Last time, a friend asked me what 'off' means, and I didn't know either. Now I understand that 'off' means shutting down, turning off the engine, just like turning off a phone screen. In the car, when you turn the key or press the button to 'off', the car becomes quiet and stops moving, similar to turning off the air conditioning. However, it doesn't replace the operation of the transmission, such as still needing to shift to P gear to prevent accidental sliding. As a beginner, I think this is quite important because if you don't turn it 'off', the battery will drain, and charging can be troublesome, especially in winter when the car is prone to freezing.

[StAlice]

I'm a car enthusiast. The "off" in an automatic transmission refers to the ignition switch being in the off state. At this time, the engine stops running, and all systems are powered off. It is unrelated to the transmission's D gear or P gear, as the gear is independently controlled. "Off" can protect electrical components, such as preventing excessive battery discharge. For short-term parking, using "off" in combination with the handbrake is safer.

[DeAnthony]

I always remind others to shift into P (Park) gear and turn off the engine when parking. Turning off means shutting down the engine, which saves fuel and maintains battery health. Prolonged failure to turn off may cause electrical damage or starting difficulties. For example, turning off the engine on a slope in combination with the handbrake and P gear can prevent rolling accidents. Proper usage extends vehicle lifespan.

[MacJoel]

In daily driving, 'off' is synonymous with shutting down the engine. I always turn it off when parking—stopping the engine saves fuel and keeps things quiet. Once, I forgot to turn it off during a countryside trip, and the battery died the next day, leaving me stranded. Developing the habit is simple: shift to P first before turning off, then engage the handbrake to ensure a secure stop. In emergencies, using 'off' also prevents accidental starts.