Can the engine be started without shifting to P gear?

[StStella]

No, the engine cannot be started without shifting to P gear. If not in P gear, the car may move forward or backward immediately after starting the engine, which could compromise safety. Therefore, the car must be in P gear to start the engine. Automatic transmission vehicles are equipped with a P gear, which is the parking gear and a common position in automatic transmission models. It is usually located at the front of the gear shift console, ahead of the R gear. The P gear is a special neutral position that mechanically locks the transmission output shaft to secure the vehicle. It functions by locking the drive axle to keep the vehicle stationary or prevent minor movements, serving as a parking brake to prevent the vehicle from moving after parking.

[AngelaRose]

I've been driving for many years, mostly automatic transmission cars. I remember once when I was in a hurry to go out, I forgot to put the car in P gear after parking on a slope in my neighborhood and started the engine directly. The car suddenly rolled forward and almost hit the car parked in front, which scared me a lot. Since then, I've learned that most automatic transmission cars are designed with safety in mind, allowing the engine to start only in P gear or neutral—why is this? It's to prevent accidents caused by unintended movement. If you try to start the car in other gears like D gear, not only might the key not turn (newer cars have this locking feature), but even if it starts, it could damage the car: the starter may bear excessive load and burn out, and the transmission gears could wear unevenly due to improper force distribution. So now I've developed a habit: after parking, I always make sure to shift into P gear and engage the handbrake, especially on slopes or in parking lots, as a double safety measure. Safety is a big deal—don't risk major consequences for minor oversights.

[MacLeonardo]

Driving safety is paramount, and I always remind my friends not to overlook the details. If you try to start the engine without shifting to P (Park), most modern cars won't allow it—this is a foolproof mechanism set by manufacturers to prevent the vehicle from accidentally moving when starting. It's even more dangerous if an older car permits this, especially on an incline: the car could roll and injure someone or hit an object. Beyond safety risks, it may also damage components, such as overloading the motor or causing transmission failure. Make it a habit to start the car in P mode and engage the handbrake as an extra precaution to avoid many accidents. The gearshift position is your first line of defense—don’t cut corners; especially on slippery roads during rain or snow, this small action could save lives.

[DelElizabeth]

I must say, gear selection is crucial when starting an automatic transmission car. Typically, you can only successfully start the engine in P (Park) or N (Neutral) gear; if left in D (Drive), most vehicles will lock and show no response when attempting to start. The reason is simple: designers have incorporated a safety lock to prevent the car from moving unexpectedly and causing harm. Forcing a start could pose risks—such as overloading the starter or causing the vehicle to roll. A good practice is to always shift to P gear before turning the key, avoiding shortcuts. Getting this right means fewer car troubles and greater peace of mind.