Should You Use P or N Gear When Warming Up an Automatic Transmission Car?
3 Answers
When warming up an automatic transmission car, use P gear. The method for warming up is: 1. Start the vehicle with the air conditioning turned off; 2. Let the engine idle for 1 minute; 3. Drive slowly after the engine runs smoothly; 4. Once the temperature gauge rises by 1 to 2 bars, you can drive normally and use the air conditioning. The steps for parking an automatic transmission car are: 1. Start the engine, press the foot brake, and shift to D gear; 2. Release the handbrake and foot brake, then press the accelerator to start; 3. Press the brake to stop the car; 4. Shift from D gear to N gear and tighten the handbrake; 5. Press the foot brake and shift from N gear to P gear; 6. Release the foot brake, turn off the power, and remove the key.
I believe using P gear is safer and more reliable when warming up an automatic transmission car. The main purpose of warming up is to allow the engine oil to preheat and lubricate moving parts, avoiding cold-start wear. Engaging P gear locks the transmission, keeping the vehicle firmly stationary without any movement; in contrast, N gear is just neutral, where the wheels aren't locked—for example, on a slope or uneven ground, the car might roll and cause an accident. Personally, I've observed many beginners forgetting to engage the handbrake while using N gear to warm up, resulting in slight movements that scratch neighboring cars. In modern car designs, P gear is the standard parking mode, and idling for about 30 seconds is sufficient for warming up—no need for prolonged idling to avoid unnecessary fuel waste and pollution. Remember to engage the handbrake for added stability, and always prioritize safety before driving—small details can determine major risks.
I've been driving automatic transmission cars for over a decade, and I always choose to put it in P (Park) when warming up the engine. The P gear directly locks the transmission, keeping the car completely stationary; putting it in N (Neutral) is like being on ice - the slightest incline or external force can make it roll away. Once in my neighborhood, I didn't pay attention while warming up in N gear on a slope, and the car rolled backward almost hitting a flower bed - luckily I reacted quickly. Warming up helps the engine reach optimal temperature faster, improving fuel efficiency. In cold winters it takes slightly longer but shouldn't exceed one minute. Beginners often mistakenly think N gear saves fuel or reduces vibration, but it's not worth the risk. Here's a simple tip: checking tire pressure regularly can enhance daily maintenance - these small habits make driving safer and more reliable.
