Should an automatic transmission car be in P or N gear when starting?

[HopeFitz]

When starting an automatic transmission car, it can be in either P or N gear. Starting in N gear can avoid the reverse impact on the transmission when shifting the gear lever from P gear to D gear or other driving gears through R gear. P gear is the parking gear, which can prevent the risk of the car rolling away when in N gear. An automatic transmission car does not require the driver to manually shift gears; the vehicle will automatically select the appropriate gear based on the driving speed and traffic conditions. Generally, automatic transmission cars have six gear positions, from top to bottom: P, R, N, D, S, L. Driving an automatic transmission car only requires the use of parking gear P, reverse gear R, neutral gear N, and drive gear D to meet the needs of general driving. If encountering some special driving conditions, other functional gears may be needed.

[MiaRose]

As a seasoned driver with years of experience, I always choose to start the car in P (Park) mode rather than N (Neutral) mode because the P mode has a locking mechanism that securely locks the transmission, preventing the wheels from turning. This ensures the vehicle won't accidentally move during startup. Starting in N mode might feel slightly easier, but it lacks the securing function, especially on slopes—there's a risk of the car rolling back with just a slight ignition. I once witnessed a friend start their car in N mode, and the vehicle rolled down a steep slope, nearly causing an accident. Nowadays, all automatic transmission vehicle manuals emphasize starting in P mode. Developing this habit isn't difficult: after settling into the driver's seat, make it a routine to glance at the gearshift to confirm it's in P mode before turning the key. This not only avoids potential dangers but also protects the transmission from unnecessary wear. Safe driving starts with these small details—never overlook them for momentary convenience.

[AsherFitz]

Ever since I first learned to drive, I developed the habit of starting the car in P (Park) gear, believing it to be the safest and most reliable method. The mechanical lock in P gear firmly secures the wheels, keeping the car rock-steady upon ignition. On the other hand, starting in N (Neutral) gear leaves the car completely free—I’ve tried it a few times on flat ground without issue, but once on a parking ramp, the car nearly rolled, which scared me to death. A friend explained that this is by design: P gear is specifically intended for starting, acting like a safety fuse to ensure security. Now, every time I get in the car, my instinct is to shift the gear lever to P before ignition—it’s become muscle memory. While innovation is fun in car culture, basic operations shouldn’t be taken lightly. Starting in N gear might seem convenient, but the risks outweigh the benefits. Cultivating good habits makes everyday driving much more reassuring.

[MacPaige]

After working in the dealership for so long, I've seen all kinds of gear operation issues. You must be in P (Park) position when starting the engine. The P gear locks the transmission with a locking pin to ensure safe ignition. N (Neutral) is a free gear without locking mechanism - starting in N may cause vehicle movement and increase accident risks. Technically, the design requires P gear for startup. Developing this habit is simple: manually confirm the gear is in P before each ignition, don't lazily choose N for speed. This prevents rollaway accidents and extends component lifespan.