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