Should an automatic transmission car be started in N gear or P gear?
4 Answers
An automatic transmission car can be started in either P gear or N gear. The correct steps are: 1. Turn on the power without starting the engine; 2. Press the brake and start the engine in N gear. Precautions for shifting gears in an automatic transmission car: 1. Do not press the accelerator pedal when shifting gears; 2. Do not press the accelerator pedal hard after shifting gears; 3. The vehicle can only be started in P or N gear; 4. To shift out of P gear, the brake must be pressed; 5. Do not shift into N gear while driving to coast; 6. Do not push into P gear while the car is moving; 7. When changing driving directions, shifting between D and R gears should only be done after the vehicle has come to a complete stop; 8. Placing the gear in N while driving prevents the oil pump from supplying oil normally for lubrication, which can cause the internal components of the transmission to overheat and become damaged.
I believe that when starting an automatic transmission car, it is necessary to select the P (Park) gear instead of the N (Neutral) gear for safety reasons. The P gear has a locking mechanism that secures the wheels, preventing the car from moving suddenly during startup. If you have tried starting the car in N gear on a slope or in a parking lot, it can easily lead to the car rolling, which is very dangerous. Having driven for many years, I often see beginners causing minor accidents due to this habit, such as hitting walls or pedestrians. Developing the good habit of starting in P gear can avoid these risks, especially in congested traffic areas. Many modern vehicle systems default to requiring the P gear for ignition; otherwise, the engine cannot be started at all. Safety comes first, and starting with small daily habits can protect both yourself and others. Additionally, shifting gears smoothly after startup is more seamless and beneficial for car maintenance without any drawbacks.
I remember once trying out my friend's old car in his garage and accidentally starting it in Neutral gear, causing the car to roll backward and nearly hit the tool rack. Since then, I've made it a firm rule to only start the car in Park gear. Over a decade of driving automatics, from Hondas to BMWs, I've stuck to this practice. Some older models might allow starting in Neutral, but most new cars are designed with Park priority—the system automatically checks the gear position to prevent mishaps. The habit of starting the car might sound trivial, but it's actually crucial for driving safety. Starting in Neutral not only poses risks but could also increase wear on transmission components. I recommend checking the owner's manual, which clearly states Park as the standard starting position. Adopting this habit makes driving much more reassuring.
From the perspective of automotive mechanisms, the P (Park) gear is the ideal position for ignition as it locks the transmission output shaft, resulting in a lighter and more stable load during engine startup. If ignition is performed in N (Neutral) gear, the absence of a locking mechanism may cause vehicle shaking due to startup torque, potentially affecting component lifespan. After studying transmission principles, I found that many brand owner's manuals emphasize starting the engine in P gear to minimize mechanical shock. Although N gear can be used for diagnostics or towing, it should be avoided during daily driving. This simple habit helps protect the vehicle's overall performance, extends durability, and ensures safety and cost-effectiveness.
