Should an Automatic Transmission Car Be Warmed Up in P or N Gear?

[Mia]

Whether to warm up an automatic transmission car in N gear or P gear depends on specific circumstances: 1. During the warm-up process of an automatic transmission car, you can use P gear. Warming up in P gear results in higher engine RPM and slightly better warm-up efficiency. 2. You can also use N gear while relying solely on the handbrake to stabilize the vehicle, preventing any potential rolling during warm-up. 3. From a safety perspective, warming up in P gear provides dual protection, reducing the likelihood of vehicle rolling. However, some argue that warming up in P gear also poses safety risks. For instance, any external impact or vibration during warm-up could potentially damage the transmission. Therefore, when warming up an automatic transmission car, it's recommended to first press the brake pedal and engage the handbrake before shifting into P gear for the warm-up operation.

[Ken]

When warming up an automatic transmission car, I always prefer using the P (Park) gear because it completely locks the wheels, ensuring the vehicle stays absolutely stationary, which is especially crucial on slopes. Reflecting on over 20 years of driving experience, warming up in N (Neutral) gear might seem convenient, but it carries significant risks. N gear only puts the car in neutral, relying solely on the foot brake or handbrake to hold it in place. If the braking system fails unexpectedly or you get distracted, the car could roll and cause an accident. I once witnessed a colleague's car rolling while warming up in N gear—fortunately, no one was hurt. Using P gear along with the handbrake provides double protection for added safety. The warm-up time shouldn't be too long; modern engines heat up quickly, so 30 seconds to a minute is sufficient—this minimizes wear and saves fuel. Prolonged idling while warming up has no benefits, only increasing fuel consumption and pollution. Developing this habit protects your beloved car and gives peace of mind.

[McSavannah]

As a car enthusiast who enjoys delving into automotive mechanics, I believe selecting Park (P) mode for warm-up is more reliable. The P mode mechanically locks the transmission gears, directly immobilizing the vehicle and reducing unnecessary friction and wear. In Neutral (N) mode, the transmission rotates freely—while the warm-up process appears similar, it carries greater risks: if the engine runs without being locked, wheels may accidentally roll, damaging internal components or causing accidents. Personally, I always press the brake and shift to P mode for a 1-2 minute warm-up during cold starts, allowing oil circulation to lubricate the engine. This is far more worry-free than N mode and extends component lifespan. The goal of warm-up is rapid engine heating, which P mode achieves just as efficiently—why not opt for it? Just remember to limit warm-up time to under 2 minutes for both vehicle protection and environmental conservation.

[DelDominic]

I remember the year I first started driving, I used to idle the car in N gear for convenience, but once the car rolled because I didn't press the brake firmly enough, which gave me a cold sweat. Later, an experienced driver taught me to switch to P gear. P gear locks the wheels, while N gear allows free rolling, which is much riskier. Idling is just to lubricate the engine, and choosing P gear ensures it's done safely without unnecessary risks. Now I only idle in P gear, 30 seconds is enough, simple and reliable. Modern car technology is good, and the engine warms up quickly, so there's no need to overthink it. Developing this habit saves trouble.