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

[StHaven]

Automatic transmission cars should be started in N gear. Below is relevant information about starting an automatic transmission car: 1. Starting in P gear: When starting in P gear, there might be slight impact force acting on the parking gear. After ignition, when shifting from P to D gear, the transmission passes through R gear, generating reverse impact force that causes minor damage to the transmission. 2. Recommended shifting method: First power on, then press the brake and shift to N gear, ignite the engine, and finally shift to D gear to start moving. As long as you don't stay in R gear, the transmission won't perform shifting actions. 3. Shifting logic: Modern automatic transmissions don't rely on the gear lever directly driving the transmission to shift gears. Instead, the transmission control system receives gear position signals, performs calculations, and then makes shifting decisions.

[WestonDella]

When driving an automatic transmission car, in the vast majority of cases, you should start the engine in the P (Park) position. Why is that? Safety first. The P position is the parking gear, which locks the transmission gears, keeping the car stationary. Even if you forget to engage the handbrake or if the ground is on a slope when starting the engine, the car won't roll. This prevents the car from suddenly moving during startup, potentially hitting people or objects. The N (Neutral) position is the neutral gear, where the transmission isn't locked, allowing the car to roll under external force. If you start the engine on a slope in N, the car could slide and cause an accident. Car manufacturers have designed most models to require the P position to engage the starting system; occasionally, some older cars might allow starting in N, but it's risky, and beginners should never attempt it. I always pay attention to this habit when driving—first step on the brake, shift to P, then start the engine—which also helps extend the transmission's lifespan. In short, for safe driving, always start the engine in P position.

[JoshuaMarie]

As a seasoned driver with over a decade of experience, I'm accustomed to starting the car in P (Park) gear. Every time I get in the car, I press the brake pedal, shift to P gear, and then turn the key to start the engine. This is the safest method because P gear locks the wheels, preventing any movement or rolling during startup - especially important in parking lots or on slopes. N (Neutral) gear won't do the trick as it only disengages the wheels, allowing the car to move under gravity, which could lead to accidents during ignition like hitting garage walls or pedestrians. Modern cars are designed to only start in P gear to prevent misuse. I remember when I was younger and less experienced, I once tried starting in N gear and got startled by the slight wobble of the car. Later, I checked the manual and learned the rule: automatic transmission vehicles should only be started in P gear (or N gear for some models, though this is unsafe and not recommended). Now I always check the gear position before starting - developing this good habit helps avoid trouble and saves on repair costs.

[DiGabriel]

When I first started learning to drive, my instructor said that an automatic transmission must be in P (Park) to start the engine. The P gear keeps the car firmly stationary, preventing any movement unless the engine is running. N (Neutral) is the idle gear, where the car isn't locked and could roll away. If you forget to engage the handbrake or are on a slope when starting in N gear, the car might slide and cause an accident. The instructor even gave an example: starting the car in N gear on a slope could lead to it rolling down and hitting something, which is very dangerous. Now, when I drive myself, I follow the same rule—press the brake, shift to P gear, and then start the engine. It's simple and worry-free, requiring no extra thought. This rule is well-designed for driving safety, and following it helps protect yourself.