Which way to turn the key to shut off a manual transmission car?

[Griffin]

To shut off a manual transmission car, turn the key to the left. Below are the steps for turning off a manual transmission car by twisting the key: First, press the brake: Press the brake to slow down until the vehicle comes to a complete stop, then fully depress the clutch. Shift into neutral: Engage the handbrake, shift the gear into neutral, and you can release the clutch and brake. Turn off all devices: Turn off all light switches or electrical equipment, and straighten the steering wheel. Turn off the engine: Turn the key counterclockwise to the end (for push-button start, press once to turn off), and set the ignition switch to the "OFF" position. Confirm safety before exiting: Remove the key, release the seatbelt, observe the left and right rearview mirrors to ensure safety before opening the door slightly. Confirm safety once again before exiting the vehicle.

[Paislee]

Having driven manual transmission cars for decades, I've developed the habit of turning the key to the left—counterclockwise—when shutting off the engine. It's as natural as brushing my teeth daily. Accidentally turning it the wrong way sometimes leaves the car not fully turned off, which can drain the battery and leave me calling for a tow truck. After shutting off, I always double-check to ensure the lights and radio are off to avoid wasting power. Those familiar with manual transmissions know the drill: turn right to start, left to end—it's the standard procedure. A few practices ingrain it into muscle memory, eliminating any confusion over the direction.

[SamanthaDella]

When I first started learning to drive a manual transmission, I was particularly nervous about stalling. Once, when parking, I forgot which way to turn the key and ended up twisting it to the right by mistake. To my surprise, the car made a starting sound, which scared me so much that I quickly turned it off. Later, my instructor reminded me that to stall, you should turn the key to the left, and the action should be swift and decisive. Now, whenever I park, it's a conditioned reflex in my mind: turn left to stall. This experience taught me to always ensure the key is in the 'off' position when stalling, to avoid carelessness that might make the next start difficult. Developing good habits is crucial.

[ColemanMarie]

Turning the key to the left is a crucial step when shutting off a manual transmission vehicle, ensuring the car is safely parked. The operation should be gentle yet decisive—avoid hesitation or turning the key in the wrong direction, as incomplete shutdown may lead to accidental ignition or battery damage. After parking and turning off the engine, always check the dashboard to confirm everything is silent, and combine this with unbuckling the seatbelt for added safety. Making this routine a habit enhances driving peace of mind, especially during nighttime drives—never overlook these risk-prone details.