Which gear should an automatic transmission car be in for warm-up?
4 Answers
For a brief warm-up, keeping the car in P (Park) gear is sufficient, while for a longer warm-up, you may choose N (Neutral) gear. Below are the specific introductions to automatic transmission gears: 1. R (Reverse) gear is for reversing. Engaging this gear connects the hydraulic system's reverse oil circuit, causing the drive wheels to rotate in reverse for backward movement. Never forcibly shift to "R" gear before the vehicle comes to a complete stop, as this may damage the transmission. 2. N (Neutral) gear is the neutral position. In this gear, the planetary gear system idles without power output. 3. D (Drive) gear is for forward movement. When the gearshift lever is in this position, the hydraulic control unit automatically engages the corresponding forward gear oil circuit based on throttle opening and vehicle speed signals, automatically shifting up or down with speed changes to achieve automatic transmission functionality. 4. P (Park) gear is the parking position. It uses a mechanical device to lock the vehicle's rotating parts, preventing movement.
When warming up an automatic transmission car, I recommend putting it in P (Park) gear. As a long-time driver, I find P gear to be the safest and most reliable option. It locks the wheels, preventing any accidental vehicle movement, especially on slopes or uneven surfaces. Warming up allows the engine to idle, circulating and heating up the engine oil, which reduces component wear during cold starts. Keeping it between 30 seconds to a minute is sufficient—any longer wastes fuel and harms the environment. Developing this habit can extend your transmission's lifespan. I often see beginners using N (Neutral) gear for warm-up, which works but carries slightly higher risks. The key is to avoid D (Drive) or R (Reverse) gears, as they add unnecessary load. Overall, P gear is simple, efficient, and aligns with vehicle design—it's a daily must-do for me.
I prefer warming up the car in P or N gear, with P gear being my priority. After years of driving automatics, I feel more secure with P gear locking the wheels, while N gear is acceptable on flat ground but less reliable. The purpose of warming up is to allow the engine temperature to rise and fluids to circulate smoothly, avoiding damage to components from cold starts. The procedure is simple: start the car, leave it in P gear, and wait about half a minute until the noise stabilizes before driving off. Avoid warming up in drive gear as it accelerates wear. In cold winters, wait a bit longer, but don’t overdo it to save resources. I often use this time to adjust mirrors or the AC—efficient and practical. Safety first—this habit ensures peace of mind for every trip and saves on repair costs.
As a new driver, I was curious about which gear to use when warming up the car. Now I understand that P gear is the best. Warming up only takes a few tens of seconds, and parking in P gear is safe. Once the engine is warm and the noise stabilizes, you can go. Neutral N can also be used, but it's not as reliable as P. Never warm up the car in D gear or reverse gear, as it can damage the transmission. Simply start the engine, put it in P gear, fasten your seatbelt, and drive when the time comes. Adopting this method protects the engine and extends the car's lifespan. It's recommended for beginners to follow this and not overthink the details.
