Should You Start an Automatic Transmission in P or N Gear?
3 Answers
You can start an automatic transmission in either P or N gear. Whether you engage P gear or N gear does not affect the ignition or the performance of the vehicle. Introduction to P Gear: P gear refers to the parking gear, primarily used after the vehicle has come to a stop. Engaging P gear prevents the vehicle from rolling or moving. Introduction to R Gear: R gear refers to the reverse gear, mainly used when reversing. However, the vehicle must be completely stopped before shifting into this gear. Some models with a lock button require pressing the button to switch gears. Introduction to N Gear: N gear refers to the neutral gear, commonly used for temporary stops, such as at traffic lights or when pulling over briefly. It is prohibited to use this gear when going downhill.
I specifically asked my driving instructor about this issue, and he said you must start the car in P gear—it's a mandatory safety design. In P gear, there's a locking hook in the transmission that secures the gears, preventing the car from rolling even on a slope. Although you can start the engine in N gear, it lacks the mechanical locking protection, which could be dangerous if you forget to engage the handbrake. Many new cars now also require you to press the brake pedal to start the engine, adding an extra layer of safety. Developing the good habit of starting in P gear is definitely the right move—it's responsible for both yourself and pedestrians.
As a veteran driver with ten years of automatic transmission experience, I can personally attest that starting the car in P (Park) gear is the most reliable method. Once, I started the car in N (Neutral) gear in an underground garage, and the moment I released the brake, the car rolled backward and hit a pillar, costing me 800 RMB for paint repair. Nowadays, most new cars enforce P-gear ignition by default. Although older models can still start in N gear, doing so may cause impact damage to the transmission. Cold starts in P gear also help avoid gear-shifting impact noises, protecting the transmission gears. Don’t underestimate this detail—good habits can extend your car’s lifespan by five years.
