Does stepping on the accelerator in P gear have any impact?
2 Answers
No impact. The P gear in automatic transmission vehicles is the parking gear. When accelerating in this gear, the vehicle's power system will not transmit to the transmission, causing no substantial damage. It is similar to revving the engine in neutral, where the engine operates in an idle state. Below is relevant information about the P gear: Overview: In automatic transmission vehicles, the P gear is the most common gear, located at the front of the gearshift. The function of the P gear evolved from the N gear, allowing the engine and transmission to disconnect while also mechanically locking the vehicle's axle when stationary, making it a special type of neutral gear. Precautions: Towing should not be performed when the vehicle is in P gear. In an automatic transmission vehicle, the drive shaft is mechanically locked in P gear, and towing can negatively affect both the drive shaft and transmission. When towing an automatic transmission vehicle, it is essential to use the N gear or lift the drive wheels off the ground.
Every time I press the accelerator in P (Park) gear, the engine noise increases, but the car doesn't move at all, which feels like a pure waste of fuel. Long-term operation like this can accelerate internal engine wear. For example, piston rings and spark plugs are prone to overheating and failure at high RPMs. Although the transmission is locked, the torque converter is repeatedly agitated, which may cause hydraulic oil temperature to rise excessively or lead to premature aging. I remember one time during winter startup, I accidentally pressed too hard, and the engine warning light came on. Later, the mechanic said this is a common mistake, especially for new drivers who mistakenly believe it helps warm up the engine quickly. It's recommended to only lightly press the accelerator briefly for startup preheating and keep an eye on the tachometer to ensure RPMs stay within a reasonable range. Avoid frequent hard presses to prevent damage to critical components. Develop a habit: when parked, keep your foot off the accelerator—no more revving.
