Is it okay to start an automatic transmission car directly in P gear?

[DiBraxton]

Starting an automatic transmission car directly in P gear is acceptable. The steps for starting an automatic transmission car are: 1. Sit in the driver's seat and press the start button to light up the ACC indicator; 2. Press the start button again for the vehicle to perform a self-check; 3. Press the brake and press the start button to ignite and start the engine; 4. Press the foot brake, shift to D gear, and release the handbrake. An automatic transmission does not require the driver to manually shift gears; the vehicle automatically selects the appropriate gear based on driving speed and traffic conditions. The gears are divided into: 1. P gear (Parking gear, Start gear); 2. R gear (Reverse gear); 3. N gear (Neutral gear); 4. D gear (Drive gear, also known as Driving gear); 5. L gear (Low gear); 6. S gear (Sport mode).

[Maci]

I've been driving automatic transmission cars for over a decade and always make it a habit to start the engine directly in P (Park) position, which I believe is the safest approach. Think about it – P position essentially locks the transmission, preventing the car from accidentally rolling, especially noticeable when parking on slopes. If I attempt to start in D (Drive) or R (Reverse), the system might not respond, or the engine might rev without moving the car. A momentary slip could even lead to collisions, which would be extremely dangerous. Once, I witnessed a friend trying to start his car not in P position, causing the vehicle to lurch slightly forward – fortunately without consequences, but that incident reinforced my insistence on P-position starts. Additionally, after starting, I recommend engaging the handbrake and waiting a few seconds to let the engine warm up before shifting gears. This practice helps prolong component lifespan and provides greater peace of mind while driving.

[VanKayden]

As someone who loves to delve into the details of cars, I find starting the engine in P-park perfectly reasonable—the transmission's locking mechanism is designed to maintain stability, making direct startup safe. In contrast, trying to start in other gears, most modern cars will either refuse to start or only idle, but older vehicles might pose risks, such as the engine being hard-linked to the wheels, causing jolts or wear. I always remind myself to ensure a safe environment before starting: close the doors and check the dashboard signals. Regular attention to the battery's condition is also crucial, as a weak battery makes starting more strenuous. So, periodic vehicle checks are a good way to prevent mishaps—after all, when it comes to driving, the key lies in saving trouble through attention to detail.

[VanKathryn]

Safety is no trivial matter, and I never joke about starting the car in any gear other than Park. An automatic transmission should always be started in the Park position because it completely locks the transmission, preventing the car from moving accidentally. Starting in Drive could cause the car to lurch forward unexpectedly, especially in crowded areas, leading to serious accidents. I’ve made it a habit to always shift into Park and engage the handbrake before turning off the engine, and I repeat this routine when starting the car. This small step takes less than two seconds but can prevent disasters. Additionally, beginners might wonder about manual transmissions requiring the clutch to be depressed for starting—automatics are simpler. Just remember: Park is the go-to, and sticking to this rule ensures worry-free driving.