Can You Start the Engine in P Gear?
2 Answers
P Gear allows direct engine starting. The correct practice is indeed to start the engine in P Gear. Moreover, many vehicle models are designed at the factory to only allow engine starting when in P Gear, preventing ignition in other gears. Manufacturers implement this design for safety considerations. Relevant details are as follows: 1. Firstly, both P Gear and N Gear serve to disconnect the engine from the wheel transmission system. However, when in P Gear, a mechanical lever locks the output shaft, preventing vehicle movement to avoid rolling. 2. To put it simply: P Gear is essentially N Gear, but with the engine off, a vehicle in N Gear can be pushed freely, whereas a vehicle in P Gear cannot be moved.
As a seasoned driver with over a decade of experience, I always shift to P (Park) position when starting the car to ensure it stays firmly in place without worrying about rolling or accidents. Automatic transmission vehicles are designed for safest ignition in P mode because the gearbox locks the wheels. If you attempt ignition in D (Drive) or other gears, the car might not move at all, or lurch forward/backward upon starting – I once witnessed someone try this and nearly hit a wall. The starting procedure is simple: press the brake pedal, confirm P position, then turn the key or push the start button. After ignition, wait for the engine to stabilize before shifting gears to drive. Neglecting this routine may cause long-term damage to the ignition system. Regular maintenance is crucial to check gear position sensor responsiveness and prevent issues. In short, developing the habit of P-position ignition protects both your vehicle and safe driving.
