Which Way to Turn the Key When Turning Off the Car?
3 Answers
When turning off the car, the key should be turned clockwise. More details are as follows: Method of turning the car key to shut off the engine: Manual transmission: Step on the brake to slow down, and when the vehicle is about to stop, you can step on the clutch. Pull up the handbrake and shift into neutral. At this point, you can release the clutch and brake. Turn off all light switches and electrical equipment, and straighten the steering wheel to avoid damage to the steering mechanism. Turn the key to the left to shut off the engine (turn the key counterclockwise). If equipped with a one-button start switch, press it once and adjust the ignition switch to the "OFF" position. Automatic transmission: Step on the brake to bring the vehicle to a complete stop, and shift into neutral (N position). Pull up the handbrake and shift into park (P position), then you can release the foot brake. Turn off electrical equipment and light switches. Similarly, turn the key counterclockwise all the way, or press the one-button start switch to turn off the engine.
I've been driving for over a decade, and when turning off the engine, I have to twist the key all the way to the right and return it to the OFF position before pulling it out. Back when I drove an old Volkswagen Santana, I often forgot this step, and the anti-theft lock would jam the steering wheel, leaving me stranded on the roadside for quite some time to fix it. Actually, how you turn the key depends on the car model—German cars require twisting it the opposite way, while some keyless start systems just need a button press. The key is to develop the habit of turning off power-hungry devices like the AC and headlights before shutting off the engine, or else it can damage the battery. I remember one winter when I was in a hurry to leave work, I didn't twist the key fully, causing a second ignition attempt, and the transmission made a loud metallic clunking sound—it broke my heart.
Last week, I just taught my younger sister how to park, and she struggled with turning off the ignition. For most family cars, you need to turn the key clockwise back to the LOCK position until you hear a 'click' to activate the steering wheel lock. My Nissan Sylphy is a bit special—it requires turning the key counterclockwise, and the Honda logo on the key must face upward to be properly engaged. This action should be done decisively. If your hand shakes and you only turn it to the ACC position, the radio will stay on and drain the battery. Also, make sure the steering wheel's tires are straightened; otherwise, the key won't turn when you try to start the car next time. Last year, four students at our driving school failed their tests because of this step.
