What are the effects of pressing the accelerator in P gear on the car?
3 Answers
Pressing the accelerator in P gear will not harm the car. P gear is the parking gear of the car, at which time the transmission shaft of the gearbox is locked, and the engine is separated from the gearbox, so the power will not be transmitted to the transmission shaft. The engine is just idling and consuming fuel, the gear mechanism is idling, and the car will not move. The following is a related introduction about P gear: 1. The "P" in P gear comes from the first letter of the English word "park," so in the gear positions of automatic transmission cars, P gear is the identifier for the parking gear. 2. P gear is a gear evolved from N gear. In addition to putting the gearbox in neutral mode, it also has a pawl inside the gearbox that locks the gear on the output shaft to form a mechanical lock, thereby securing the drive axle to fix the vehicle in a stationary or slightly moving state. 3. Although P gear appears very frequently in automatic transmission models, it is not one of the three standard gear positions of automatic transmission cars, because some models use N gear with an auxiliary braking device for parking, but its basic working principle is almost the same as that of P gear.
I remember once when I was waiting at a red light in P gear, I accidentally stepped on the accelerator. The engine revved but the car didn’t move. This habit is harmful to the car. It causes excessive wear on the transmission, especially the torque converter and oil pump inside the automatic transmission, which can generate high temperatures and potentially lead to premature aging. Also, wasting fuel is a minor issue, but doing this frequently increases the pressure in the internal hydraulic system, which can cause oil leaks or component failures over time. Repairs can be expensive—I know someone who spent thousands replacing their transmission. Safety-wise, it’s not ideal either. If on a slope or in a crowded area, the car could shake and cause an accident. It’s best to develop good habits: when parking, first firmly press the brake, then shift to P gear, and avoid unnecessary accelerator actions to protect the car and extend its lifespan.
From a mechanical perspective, engaging the throttle while in Park (P) mode places significant stress on the transmission, akin to subjecting stationary components to high-speed rotational loads. In automatic transmissions, the torque converter heats up rapidly, accelerating fluid degradation and causing wear on bearings and gears. I've witnessed cases during repairs where internal components were covered in scratches. Manual transmissions fare slightly better but still face synchronizer issues. Prolonged practice can shorten transmission lifespan, potentially leading to gearshift hesitation or vibrations. Fuel waste is a byproduct, but the primary concern lies in high maintenance costs. Recommended practices include regularly inspecting transmission fluid color and viscosity, adhering to replacement intervals without delay, and addressing issues immediately upon detection to save substantial costs. Maintaining focus while driving and confirming gear position before accelerating are prudent habits.
