Safe to turn off Prius while still in Drive?

a joke i hope.

 

That's the way I always shut down. When you power off, the Prius automatically applies Park. There is no functional difference between powering off directly verses hitting Park and then powering off.

The play described comes from the parking pawl. The same amount of play occurs whether powering off directly or hitting Park first.

Some drivers will state that they like pressing Park first because it establishes a routine for them. If it works for you, fine, but just be aware that there is no need for it. Either way works fine.

Tom

 

Ditto

 

My Lexus IS350 has the keyless start/stop. However, if you turn off the engine while still in drive, the engine stops, but the ignition stays on even after putting it into park. My wife got burned a couple of times by this - left ignition on for hours and killed the battery. It's good to know this won't happen with the Prius.

 

I do the whole nine yards...including using the parking brake. Anal is what they call it.

 

Don't forget the wheel chocks.

Tom