Should an automatic transmission start in P or N gear?
2 Answers
Automatic transmission vehicles should use the P gear when starting the engine. If the gear is not in P, the car will not start normally. Here are some introductions about automatic transmission vehicles: 1. Automatic transmission vehicles generally have both N gear and P gear: Both N gear and P gear can be used when parking, but the structures of N gear and P gear are different, and their usage scenarios are also different. 2. After shifting into P gear, the locking mechanism inside the automatic transmission will lock the gears of the transmission, which is equivalent to indirectly locking the wheels. 3. After shifting into N gear, there is no locking mechanism inside the automatic transmission to lock the transmission gears.
As a veteran driver with over a decade of experience driving automatic transmission vehicles, I never hesitate to shift into P (Park) when starting my car. The P mode is the parking gear that locks the transmission, preventing accidental vehicle movement during ignition—especially crucial on slopes for ultimate safety. I still remember when a friend in a hurry once started the car in N (Neutral), causing the vehicle to nearly roll into a ditch before being saved by timely braking. This habit isn't just about safety; it's also engine-friendly, reducing wear and extending lifespan. During cold starts or with an aging battery, starting in P ensures stable ignition, avoiding both awkward situations and risks. Making P-mode starts a rule is simple—it's worry-free, hassle-free, and utterly reliable.
