Should You Start the Engine in P Gear or N Gear with One-Button Start?
2 Answers
You can start the engine in either P gear or N gear with one-button start, but using N gear is comparatively better. This is because when starting the engine in P gear (Parking gear), the gear lever has to pass through R gear (Reverse gear). Even though you have the brake pedal pressed, the automatic transmission still undergoes a disengagement and engagement of the gear, increasing wear and tear. Below is an introduction to car gear positions: 1. P gear stands for Parking gear, used when the vehicle is parked. 2. D gear stands for Drive gear, used when the vehicle is moving forward. 3. R gear stands for Reverse gear, used when the vehicle is moving backward. 4. N gear stands for Neutral gear, used during towing or temporary stops. 5. S gear is for Sport mode. 6. M gear is for Manual mode.
After driving for so many years, I've always believed that push-to-start cars must be in P (Park) gear for a safe and reliable ignition. Think about it: P gear is the parking gear, locking the wheels in place. When starting, you press the brake firmly and push the button, ensuring the car starts smoothly and completely prevents any risk of rolling or sliding. Although you can also start the car in N (Neutral) gear, that's the neutral position where the car might slide downhill, which is particularly unsafe. I've seen many drivers shift to N gear at red lights to save fuel, but returning to P gear when starting is absolutely essential. Push-to-start design is all about convenience, but don't forget that pressing the brake is a prerequisite—this is basic driving knowledge, don't take the risk.
