Parking (P) or Neutral (N) for Warming Up the Car?

[Elijah]

There are different scenarios for warming up the car in Parking (P) or Neutral (N) gear. If you plan to reverse first, warm up the car in P gear. If you intend to drive forward directly, warm up the car in N gear. Starting the engine in N gear avoids the impact on the transmission caused by P gear unlocking, because starting in P gear requires passing through R (Reverse) gear, while N gear directly shifts to D (Drive) for takeoff. Thus, the unlocking of P gear's locking mechanism is the first impact on the transmission, and shifting to R gear is the second impact, whereas N gear allows direct transition to D gear. Automatic transmission typically refers to the car's automatic gear-shifting mechanism, where the control system of the automatic transmission selects the appropriate gear based on the engine's speed and load during driving, replacing the driver's subjective judgment and gear-shifting operations.

[MacHailey]

It's safest to put the car in P (Park) gear when warming up the engine. I've been driving for over a decade and always do it this way. Engaging P gear locks the vehicle, preventing it from rolling even on slopes, unlike N (Neutral) gear where the car might accidentally roll away if the brake isn't firmly pressed, potentially causing injuries. On cold winter mornings when starting the engine, the water temperature is low, and the engine needs some warm-up time to run smoothly. However, modern car electronic systems are smart – idling for about 30 seconds is sufficient, eliminating the need for prolonged warm-up. Wait in P gear until the water temperature rises slightly, then shift to D (Drive) gear to set off, while checking the dashboard for any warning lights. Excessive idling wastes fuel and increases pollution. My usual habit is to turn on the air conditioning or recirculation mode to heat up the cabin faster. Remember, safety comes first – stay focused during warm-up to prevent accidents.

[Troy]

I'm quite knowledgeable about cars. From the perspective of transmission design, warming up the car in P gear is much better than in N gear. P gear has a locking mechanism that prevents the transmission from idling, while putting it in N gear increases the risk of unnecessary wear. During a cold start, the engine lacks sufficient internal lubrication, and a brief idle helps oil circulation. However, using P gear gives you peace of mind without worrying about the car moving. It's recommended to check your surroundings immediately after starting, warm up the car in P gear for about half a minute, then gently press the accelerator to drive off, as warming up while driving is faster. Based on my daily maintenance experience, I once tried warming up in neutral and noticed the engine noise was louder, so I quickly switched back to P gear and got used to it. This practice can also extend the lifespan of car parts and avoid potential issues.

[DelIsabelle]

Just put the car in P gear when warming up, don't use N gear. I learned this from experience: P gear is stable and can lock the car's position; N gear is neutral, and the vehicle may move unexpectedly during warm-up, which is unsafe. After starting the car, let it idle for 20-30 seconds to warm up the oil, safely wait in P gear, and then drive normally. Don't warm up the car for too long, as it wastes fuel and is not environmentally friendly. I do this every time, simple and effective.