How to Stop a Running Car Engine

Step 1: Turn off the ignition

The first step to stopping a running car engine is to turn off the ignition. This will cut off the power to the engine and cause it to stop running. To turn off the ignition, simply turn the key in the ignition switch to the “off” position.

Step 2: Shift the car into park

Once the ignition is turned off, you should shift the car into park. This will prevent the car from rolling away when the engine is stopped. To shift the car into park, simply move the gear selector to the “P” position.

Step 3: Apply the parking brake

The next step is to apply the parking brake. This will help to keep the car from rolling away if the parking gear fails. To apply the parking brake, simply pull up on the parking brake lever.

Step 4: Release the gas pedal

Once the parking brake is applied, you can release the gas pedal. This will allow the engine to idle down and stop running.

Step 5: Check to make sure the engine is stopped

Once you have released the gas pedal, you should check to make sure that the engine has stopped running. You can do this by looking at the tachometer, which will indicate the engine speed. The tachometer should read zero when the engine is stopped.

Step 6: Turn off the headlights and other accessories

Once the engine is stopped, you should turn off the headlights and other accessories. This will help to conserve battery power. To turn off the headlights, simply turn the headlight switch to the “off” position. To turn off other accessories, such as the radio or air conditioner, simply turn off the corresponding switches.

Step 7: Exit the car

Once the engine is stopped and all of the accessories are turned off, you can exit the car. Be sure to close the door behind you to prevent the car from rolling away.

Tips

* If you are in a hurry, you can skip steps 3 and 4 and simply turn off the ignition and release the gas pedal. However, it is always best to apply the parking brake and shift the car into park to prevent the car from rolling away.
* If you are having trouble stopping the engine, you can try pressing the brake pedal while you are turning off the ignition. This will help to disengage the starter motor and stop the engine.
* If the engine is still running after you have tried all of the above steps, you may need to call a mechanic for assistance.

Warnings

* Never try to stop a running car engine by putting it in neutral and letting it coast to a stop. This can be dangerous, as the car may roll away and cause an accident.
* Never try to stop a running car engine by pulling the emergency brake. This can damage the brake system and cause the car to skid.