Can You Start the Engine in P Gear?
2 Answers
The normal way to start an automatic transmission car is to press the brake and ignite the engine while in P gear. The transmission of an automatic car is not that fragile; starting in either P gear or N gear is acceptable. P gear is the most common gear in automatic transmission models, usually located at the foremost position of the gearshift console, in front of the R gear, designed to lock the axle when the car is stationary on a slope. Additional Information: 1. Both P gear and N gear are neutral gears, meaning the power generated at the engine's input end cannot be transmitted to the transmission's output end. This is why drivers often experience a slight slide after parking in P gear on uneven surfaces. Since P gear is equipped with an additional mechanical braking device, the vehicle will not move once the gear grooves inside the transmission are locked by the pawl. N gear does not have any wheel-locking mechanism itself, requiring the use of the handbrake or brake pedal to secure the wheels. 2. Moreover, when in N gear, all gears in the automatic transmission can rotate freely; but when in P gear, the output gears of the transmission are locked and stationary. In recent years, some car models have simplified the number of gears by moving the P gear away from the traditional gear positions and replacing it with an additional parking function button at the N gear position, though the fundamental parking attribute remains unchanged.
Well, I have to say that the P gear is indeed the best position for ignition. I've been driving for over ten years, and every time I start the engine, I make sure the gear is in P position—it's the safest way. If you're not in P gear, like trying to start in N or R gear, the car might suddenly move, especially on a slope, which would be dangerous, right? The reason cars are designed with this rule is that the P gear locks the transmission, preventing the car from rolling or causing accidents. Additionally, many cars have safety features that prevent the engine from starting unless it's in P gear. Make it a habit: sit tight, press the brake, confirm you're in P gear, and then start the engine. This not only ensures safety but also protects the car's components from unnecessary wear and tear.
