Drivers of cars with automatic transmissions should pay attention to how they switch off their vehicles. Moving the gear selector directly to Park before applying the parking brake may place unnecessary strain on internal transmission components and potentially lead to costly damage.
Most automatic cars use the positions P, R, N and D, meaning Park, Reverse, Neutral and Drive. The key steps when parking are Neutral and Park, along with correctly applying the parking brake.
After stopping completely, keep your foot on the brake and move the selector to N, or Neutral. Next, apply the parking brake, whether it is manual or electronic. Once the vehicle is secured, release the brake pedal.
Only then should you move the selector to P, or Park, and switch off the engine. This sequence is intended to prevent the vehicle’s weight from resting unnecessarily on transmission components and to reduce the risk of premature wear or difficulty disengaging the gear selector.
Sources: Canaltech.