Should You Start an Automatic Car in P or N Gear?

[Jim]

Automatic cars should be started in N gear. Here is an introduction to the gears of an automatic transmission car: 1. P gear is the parking gear: used when the vehicle is parked for a long time; 2. R gear is the reverse gear: engaged when the vehicle needs to move backward; 3. N gear is the neutral gear: engaged when the vehicle is parked for a short time without turning off the engine; 4. D gear is the drive gear: when the gear lever is in D gear, the vehicle will automatically shift gears based on throttle opening and speed data; 5. S gear is the sport mode: makes the vehicle drive more sportily; 6. M gear refers to the manual mode: when the gear lever is in M gear, shifting is done manually by the driver; 7. L gear is the low gear: used when the car is moving slowly.

[DiMaggie]

To be honest, I've driven automatic transmission cars for over a decade and always start in P (Park) gear. P gear completely locks the transmission, preventing vehicle movement, while N (Neutral) is just a free gear without any locking function. If you start in N gear on a slope, the car might roll forward or backward when the engine starts—especially if you forget to engage the handbrake—potentially causing a collision. This isn't just my habit; it's standard automotive design. Many vehicles won't even allow engine startup unless the system detects the safety signal from P gear. I've seen a friend accidentally start in N gear in a parking lot, causing the car to roll and scrape against a wall, resulting in costly repairs. Safety first—I recommend making it a habit to always confirm the gear is in P before starting the engine, then proceed with ignition.

[LaAlexandra]

I remember when I first learned to drive an automatic car, I made the mistake of starting in N gear. My instructor taught me that P gear locks the transmission for safety, while N gear is neutral but may cause slight movement during startup. That time, I tried starting in N gear on a slope, the car rolled a bit and almost hit a pole, which gave me a real scare. Since then, I've never dared to be lazy again; I always engage the handbrake and shift to P gear after parking, and double-check the gear position before starting. This experience taught me that driving isn't just about moving the car, but also paying attention to every detail to avoid potential risks. When you're a new driver, it's best to consult experts or read the manual thoroughly, developing the instinct to always start in P gear to protect both yourself and your beloved car.

[DaniellaAnn]

From a transmission structure perspective, starting in P (Park) gear is the most logical choice. The P gear has a dedicated locking mechanism that secures the drivetrain to prevent wheel rotation, whereas N (Neutral) gear merely disengages the connection without locking—engine torque during startup could potentially cause vehicle creep. With my understanding of automotive design, most vehicle models restrict ignition to P gear only—safety mechanisms prevent operation in other gears. Engaging P gear before starting ensures stable parking conditions, avoiding unnecessary mechanical stress or potential safety hazards. Technically speaking, this is a simple yet critical procedure.

[AaliyahLynn]

I usually drive an automatic transmission and always habitually start the car in P (Park) gear. This operation feels natural, safe, and reliable. Although the car can be started in N (Neutral) gear, it's not secure, especially on slopes or uneven roads, as the vehicle might accidentally roll after starting, leading to scratches or collisions. A good habit is to confirm the gear before starting—park the car, shift to P gear, engage the handbrake, and ignite the engine in one go, which is both worry-free and risk-preventive. Looking back, I once tried to be lazy and started the car in N gear in front of my house, causing it to roll half a meter and hit a flowerpot. Now, I'm extra cautious. Driving is all about details determining success or failure—don't be careless.