Is It Correct to Start the Engine in P Gear?
3 Answers
Starting the engine in P gear is correct. After shifting into P gear, the pawl gear at the end of the output shaft will engage and lock the output shaft. This effectively cuts off the power connection between the transmission and the wheels, preventing them from rotating in the same direction. Starting in P gear will not cause the vehicle to jerk forward or roll backward. P gear stands for "Parking," meaning it is used for parking. When you reach your destination or need to park for an extended period, shift the gear lever into this position. Note: You must ensure the vehicle is completely stopped before shifting into P gear. Shifting into P gear before the vehicle has come to a complete stop can damage parts of the automatic transmission. When in P gear, the wheels are mechanically locked, preventing the vehicle from moving forward or backward. Therefore, it is essential to shift into P gear when parking on an incline. Additionally, during short stops (e.g., at traffic lights), it is best not to shift into P gear to avoid severe damage to the entire transmission in case of a rear-end collision. Besides P gear, automatic transmission vehicles also have other gear positions such as R, N, S, M, L, and D, each with different gear combinations that deliver varying power outputs. Depending on the vehicle's speed, you need to "shift gears" to select the appropriate gear combination for power delivery. Below is a detailed explanation: R gear: "Reverse" means to go backward. Whether it's a manual or automatic transmission, R is the reverse gear. Shifting into R gear allows the vehicle to move backward. This gear should only be engaged when the vehicle is stationary and the engine is idling. Never use R gear while the vehicle is moving forward, and pay special attention to accelerator control when reversing. N gear: "Neutral" means the transmission is disengaged, also known as the neutral gear. At traffic lights, you can shift into this gear and press the brake pedal. If the wait is longer, it is recommended to engage the handbrake, allowing your foot to rest off the brake pedal. A common misconception is that shifting into N gear while coasting downhill or at high speeds saves fuel. This is a serious mistake—it not only fails to save fuel but can also damage the transmission. S gear: "Sport" refers to the sport mode in vehicles. When this gear is engaged, the transmission delays shifting to provide more power, typically used when overtaking. M gear: "Manual" means switching to manual mode, similar to operating a manual transmission vehicle, requiring manual gear shifting. L gear: "Low" stands for the low-speed forward gear. When this gear is engaged, the transmission operates only in low gear (equivalent to first gear in a manual transmission) and does not automatically shift to other gears based on speed changes. This gear is generally used when climbing or descending steep slopes. In low gear, the drive wheels deliver higher torque, ensuring sufficient power for climbing steep inclines. Prolonged braking can overheat the brake pads, reducing braking effectiveness, which is particularly dangerous on long descents or steep slopes. Shifting into L gear allows the engine's low RPM to restrain the vehicle's movement, eliminating the need for constant braking. D gear: "Drive" means the vehicle moves forward when the accelerator is pressed. In this gear, the transmission automatically shifts based on speed and throttle conditions. At traffic lights, you can remain in D gear while pressing the brake pedal. This is fine for short waits, but prolonged idling in D gear can raise transmission fluid temperature and degrade its quality.
Starting the engine in P gear is completely correct, as it's the standard operating procedure for automatic transmission vehicles. I've seen many friends puzzled about this, but actually, the manual states it clearly: you must be in P gear when starting. Why this design? Because P gear locks the transmission, preventing the vehicle from moving unexpectedly during startup. Some car owners have heard that you can also start in N gear, but that's only for emergency situations, like changing brake lights. For daily use, there's no need to complicate things—starting in P gear is both safe and convenient. Manufacturers put so much effort into designing the gear logic precisely to help us develop this habit. Rest assured, my car has been running for over 8 years, and starting in P gear every time has never caused any issues.
As an experienced driver, I can responsibly tell you that starting the engine in P (Park) is the correct operation. Automatic transmission vehicles are designed with this in mind - when in P gear, the transmission output shaft is mechanically locked, preventing engine vibration from being transmitted to the wheels. I once witnessed during vehicle maintenance that mechanics specifically shift to P gear before shutting down when inspecting transmissions. For cold starts, P gear also allows the transmission oil pump to build up pressure faster. However, pay attention to this detail: depress the brake pedal before turning the key to better protect the starter. If parking on a slope, remember to engage the parking brake before shifting from P after starting, which reduces the load on the transmission parking pawl.
