Which Gear Should an Automatic Transmission Car Be in When Warming Up?
2 Answers
When warming up an automatic transmission car, it should be in P (Park) gear to lock the tires. If the car is in N (Neutral) gear on uneven ground, it might roll even with the handbrake engaged. Additionally, the transmission fluid level is lower in N gear during warm-up, which can be harmful to the gears. The P gear is a common position in automatic transmission vehicles, usually located at the front of the gear shift console, before the R (Reverse) gear. Its purpose is to lock the axle when the car is stationary on a slope. Here is an introduction to the gears in an automatic transmission car: 1. R is the Reverse gear, which can only be engaged when the vehicle is completely stopped. 2. N is the Neutral gear, used for temporary parking. 3. S is the Sport mode, where the main difference from D (Drive) gear is that the computer switches to a different shifting program. S mode can be engaged at any time. 4. D is the Drive gear, where gear shifts are controlled simply by the accelerator pedal.
I've been driving for over ten years, and every time I warm up my automatic transmission car, I always keep the gear firmly in P. This way, the engine idles to warm up, and the car absolutely doesn't move, ensuring safety and reliability. Especially in cold winter weather, the engine needs to warm up for several dozen seconds to a minute until the RPM stabilizes and the temperature gauge rises slightly, then I can shift to D and drive. Warming up in P avoids accidental movement, which is more secure than using N, as the latter might cause the car to roll. Modern car engines are of good quality, so the warm-up time isn't long, and the engine actually heats up faster after driving starts. This habit is something I've learned from multiple maintenance experiences—it saves time and gives peace of mind. I usually adjust the duration based on the weather temperature, shorter in summer and slightly longer in winter. Just stick to this simple routine; no need to fiddle with other gears.