Should an automatic car be started in P or N gear?
3 Answers
An automatic car can be started in either P or N gear. Here is an introduction to automatic transmission gears: 1. Parking gear: P stands for Parking gear, also known as the parking position. When parking the car for an extended period, the gear should be placed in P. 2. Reverse gear: R stands for Reverse gear, used when the car needs to move backward. 3. Neutral gear: N is equivalent to the neutral gear in a manual transmission car, generally used when starting the car. 4. Drive gear: D stands for Drive gear, the most commonly used gear when driving an automatic car. 5. Sport gear: S stands for Sport gear, where the transmission can shift freely. Using S gear when going uphill provides stronger power.
I've been driving for over twenty years and have always made it a habit to start the car only when it's in Park (P) gear. The P gear stands for Parking gear, which locks the transmission output shaft, ensuring the car doesn't move at all—much safer. If you start the car in Neutral (N) gear, although the engine can turn over, the transmission remains in a neutral state. Once you release the brake, the car might roll, especially on slopes, which can easily lead to accidents. Manufacturer manuals emphasize starting the car in P gear as a fundamental rule, and I teach my kids the same. Additionally, in emergencies—like when the key is hard to remove or there's a system malfunction—always check the P gear first. However, most cars are designed to prevent starting unless in P gear as a safety feature. Remember, always begin and end gear adjustments from P to develop a safe driving habit.
As a car enthusiast, I've always paid attention to transmission mechanisms. When starting an automatic transmission car, you should definitely choose Park (P) instead of Neutral (N). The P gear has a locking mechanism that completely cuts off power, reducing pressure on internal components during engine startup. Although you can start the engine in N gear, the drivetrain isn't locked, which could cause the car to roll backward on slopes - extremely dangerous. I've studied various car models like Toyota or Ford systems, and they all default to P gear as the standard starting position. Beginners who start in N gear might accidentally shift into other gears, causing accidents. So my advice is: always press the brake first, confirm you're in P gear before turning the key - simple and reliable. While technology keeps advancing, all modern automatic transmissions have reinforced P gear safety logic, so don't cut corners and make mistakes.
