Does Stepping on the Accelerator in P Gear Harm the Car?
2 Answers
Stepping on the accelerator in P gear does not harm the car because the power is not transmitted to the drive shaft. Unless you press the accelerator while driving and directly shift into P gear, it will not cause catastrophic damage to the vehicle. When the car is in P gear, the engine power is not transmitted to the drive shaft or the transmission. The gears inside the powertrain are only idling, so there is no need to worry about harming the car. However, when the power is not transmitted to the transmission, the engine speed will rise, and the noise will increase, resulting in a roaring sound. Additionally, the engine running at high speeds will also increase carbon buildup. The function of P gear: After shifting into P gear, the output shaft of the car is mechanically locked, thereby securing the vehicle. After the vehicle stops, the parking switch should be turned on, and then the gear should be shifted to P before releasing the foot brake to complete a normal parking procedure. However, it is also important to note that if stepping on the accelerator in P gear is done for an extended period, it can cause the engine temperature to rise rapidly, reducing the radiator's cooling efficiency. In severe cases, it may burn the big and small bearings under the piston and adversely affect the belts and gears. Therefore, it is best to avoid doing this.
Stepping on the accelerator in P gear does cause some harm to the car. As a veteran driver with over a decade of experience, I accidentally did this back when I was learning to drive at the driving school. At the time, I was waiting for someone in the parking lot and, out of boredom, pressed the accelerator. The engine roared, but the car didn’t move, and the fuel gauge noticeably dropped. While it’s not a major issue, modern car engines can overheat when revving at high speeds without load, potentially wearing out piston and valve components and wasting fuel. Occasionally doing it for a short time is fine, but making it a habit will accelerate engine and transmission aging. I recommend avoiding stepping on the accelerator in P gear for convenience, especially during winter when trying to warm up the car quickly—it’s even worse. Instead, shifting to neutral or driving at low speeds is more efficient and helps protect components, extending their lifespan. During regular maintenance, check the fuel system and cooling system to avoid such practices, ensuring smooth engine operation, fuel efficiency, and peace of mind.
