Can You Start an Automatic Car in P Gear?
2 Answers
Automatic cars can be started in P gear. Below are some driving tips for automatic transmission vehicles: Parking and Gear Shifting: When parking for more than half a minute, engage the handbrake and shift to N gear. Reduce speed in time to avoid braking only when close to the vehicle in front. Starting: The car can only be started when in P gear or N gear. Gear shifts can be freely made while driving. Right Foot Control: Use only the right foot to control the accelerator and brake. Avoid coasting in neutral.
Starting an automatic car in P (Park) gear is completely normal. I often do this myself—driving automatics for over a decade, I confidently start the engine in P gear every time. All modern vehicles are designed to allow engine ignition only in P or N (Neutral) gear, preventing accidental starts in drive (D) or reverse (R) gears that could lead to hazards. For example, on slopes, engaging P gear better secures the car, reducing the risk of rolling. The procedure is simple: sit in the driver’s seat, press the brake pedal, confirm the gear is in P, then turn the key or press the start button. Starting in N gear is also possible, but P is more convenient. The key is developing a habit of checking the gear before starting—safety first. Don’t worry, this isn’t complicated technology; it’s hassle-free for daily use.
