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

[DeAmara]

Start an automatic transmission car in N gear, as starting in P gear may exert a slight impact force on the parking gear. When shifting from P to D gear after ignition, the transmission passes through R gear, generating a reverse force that can cause minor damage to the transmission. However, as long as you don't linger in R gear, the transmission won't engage in a shifting action. Modern automatic transmissions don't rely on the gear lever to directly drive the shifting mechanism; instead, they use a transmission control system. The control system receives the gear signal, processes it, and then makes the shifting decision. Automatic transmission gears include P, R, N, D, S, L, and others. The P gear stands for Parking, R for Reverse, N for Neutral, D for Drive, S for Sport, L for Low, and M for Manual. Different gear combinations output varying levels of power. When the car is moving at different speeds, you need to "shift gears," meaning selecting different gear combinations to output power. Below is an explanation of each gear: P Gear: Parking means "stopping." It is the parking gear used when the vehicle is stationary. After reaching your destination or when parking for an extended period, shift the gear lever into this position. Note: Always ensure the vehicle is completely stopped before shifting into P gear. Shifting into P gear before the vehicle has fully stopped can cause mechanical damage to the automatic transmission. When in P gear, the wheels are mechanically locked, preventing the vehicle from moving forward or backward. Therefore, always engage P gear when parking on slopes. Additionally, during short stops (e.g., at traffic lights), avoid shifting into P gear to prevent severe transmission damage in case of a rear-end collision. R Gear: Reverse means "backward" and is used for reversing the vehicle. To engage R gear, press the safety button on the gear lever. However, ensure the vehicle is completely stopped before shifting to avoid serious transmission damage. N Gear: Neutral means "disengaged" and is also known as the neutral gear. Use this gear when stopped at traffic lights while keeping your foot on the brake. For longer stops, it's advisable to engage the handbrake, allowing your foot to rest. A common misconception is that shifting into N gear while coasting downhill or at high speeds saves fuel. This is incorrect and can damage the transmission. D Gear: Drive means "moving forward" and is the gear used for normal driving. Shift into this gear, press the accelerator, and the vehicle will move. In D gear, the transmission automatically shifts based on speed and throttle input. At traffic lights, you can remain in D gear with your foot on the brake. For short stops, this is fine, but prolonged stops can raise transmission fluid temperature and degrade its quality. S Gear: Sport means "performance" and is used for sportier driving. In this gear, the transmission delays shifting to provide more power, typically used for overtaking. L Gear: Low means "slow speed" and is used for low-speed driving. In this gear, the transmission stays in a low gear (equivalent to manual 1st gear) and doesn't shift automatically. Use this gear for climbing or descending steep slopes. Low gear provides high torque for climbing steep hills. Prolonged braking on long descents can overheat the brake pads, reducing braking efficiency, which is dangerous. Shifting into L gear uses engine braking to control speed, reducing the need for constant braking. Shifting Precautions: When shifting gears or starting the vehicle, always ensure your foot is on the brake.

[AllisonDella]

I've been driving for over ten years and have always been accustomed to starting the car in P (Park) gear. Every time I get in the car, I first shift to P gear, press the brake, and then start the engine—this way, the car feels steady, and the engine sound is soothing. I once tried starting in N (Neutral) gear, and on a slope, without the handbrake fully engaged, the car actually rolled forward half a meter, which scared me quite a bit. Later, I learned that P gear locks the transmission system, making it safer than neutral. Nowadays, new car designs are considerate too; many cars won't start unless they're in P gear, probably because manufacturers worry owners might take shortcuts and use N gear. Actually, when warming up the car in winter, it's even more important to use P gear—the engine stabilizes its RPM faster, which is also better for the transmission.