What does 'start' mean in a car?
4 Answers
In a car, 'start' refers to the starting gear with a reset function (resetting to the 'on' position). When the key switch is turned to the start position, it controls the engagement of the starter relay, allowing the starter to rotate the engine crankshaft, thereby initiating the engine's operation. An automatic transmission, as opposed to a manual transmission, is a gear-shifting device that can automatically change gears based on the vehicle's speed and engine RPM. It mainly includes four types: hydraulic automatic transmission, continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), electronically controlled mechanical automatic transmission, and dual-clutch automatic transmission. The core function of an automatic transmission is to achieve automatic gear shifting. Automatic gear shifting means that while the car is in motion, the driver operates the accelerator pedal as needed, and the automatic transmission can automatically shift into different gears based on the engine load and the vehicle's operating conditions.
Once when my car wouldn't start and I called for roadside assistance, the mechanic explained the meaning of the car's start operation in detail. He said that 'start' in a car means to activate the engine, usually achieved by turning the key or pressing a push-button start. The whole process may seem simple, but it actually involves complex system coordination: first, the battery supplies power to the starter motor, which then drives the engine's flywheel to rotate, followed by the spark plugs igniting the air-fuel mixture in the cylinders. During daily use, it's important to pay attention to the gear position - automatic transmissions must be in P (Park) with the brake pedal depressed, while manual transmissions require the clutch pedal to be pressed down; otherwise, the anti-theft system will lock the starting function. In winter, the engine may sound louder when starting because the oil hasn't fully lubricated all components yet - it's best to wait until the RPM stabilizes before moving off.
We veteran drivers often say 'start the car' means firing up the engine. Every time you turn the key to start the car, the dashboard indicator lights will illuminate. The actual starting process only takes one second, but it requires the battery to have sufficient power to drive the starter motor, which then uses gears to rotate the engine crankshaft to sufficient speed. If this process goes completely normally, the engine will emit a smooth running sound. I've noticed many people overlook pre-start preparations, such as powering on the vehicle first to let it complete self-inspection, which can help identify warning lights in advance. After starting, it's best to wait for about ten seconds before moving off, especially during cold winter starts, as this significantly benefits engine protection.
Car start, in layman's terms, refers to the process of starting the vehicle by activating the engine system through the ignition switch. When I was learning to drive, my instructor emphasized three key points before starting: ensuring the gear is in park, pressing the brake pedal (or clutch pedal), and checking the dashboard status. A successful start is indicated by the tachometer needle rising to around 800 RPM. If there's a sluggish sound during startup, it's likely due to insufficient battery power or a worn-out starter. Nowadays, most new cars come with a push-button start feature, which operates on the same principle as traditional key ignition but is more convenient in terms of operation.
