Which gear should an automatic transmission car be in when warming up?
4 Answers
It is safer to warm up an automatic transmission car in P (Park) gear, as this locks the tires. If in N (Neutral) gear, the car may roll even with the handbrake engaged, especially on uneven ground. Additionally, warming up in N gear results in low gearbox oil pressure, which can damage the gears. Below are the gear positions for an automatic transmission car: 1. P - Parking gear: After the car stops, engaging P gear applies the brakes to prevent movement. Some models feature an independent P gear, known as electronic parking, which functions on the same principle. 2. R - Reverse gear: This gear can only be engaged when the vehicle is stationary. Models with a lock button require pressing the button to switch to this gear. 3. N - Neutral gear: Use this gear for temporary stops, such as at traffic lights, and always engage the handbrake. Avoid using this gear when going downhill. 4. S - Sport gear: The difference between D (Drive) and S (Sport) gears lies in the computer switching different shifting programs. S gear can be engaged at any time without damaging the transmission. It is suitable for overtaking but not for high-speed driving. 5. D - Drive gear: The most commonly used gear. Shifting up or down is controlled via the accelerator. D1 (or L gear), D2, and D3 correspond to manual transmission gears 1 and 2, 3 and 4, and 5 and 6, respectively.
I've been driving for many years, and when warming up an automatic transmission car, you must always put it in P (Park) gear, allowing the engine to idle while the vehicle is stationary. This locks the transmission and prevents the car from moving unexpectedly. Older cars used to require a longer warm-up time, maybe a few minutes, but for newer models, 30 seconds is sufficient—once oil pressure and temperature rise, it's safe to start. Using other gears like D (Drive) or R (Reverse) carries higher risks; if your foot slips or the brakes fail, the car could lurch forward or backward, causing injury or damage. This is especially important in winter, as pre-warming lubricates engine components and reduces wear. In short, make it a habit to warm up only in P gear—it protects your car and ensures driving safety.
I usually drive an automatic transmission, and warming up the car is super simple—just put it in P mode. This way, the car stays firmly parked while the engine warms up, without affecting any components. It doesn’t take long—just half a minute is enough for modern cars to run smoothly. Never warm up the car in D mode or N mode: D mode can cause the car to creep forward, and while N mode has no power, you must hold the brake tightly to prevent rolling downhill. Warming up has many benefits—it allows the oil to circulate fully during cold starts, providing better engine protection. Remember this little trick, and your daily driving will be much more worry-free.
The most reasonable way to warm up your car is in P (Park) gear, as it locks the transmission and allows the engine to idle without transmitting power. Modern automatic transmissions are intelligently designed, enabling quick and efficient warm-up. After 30 seconds, you can shift to D (Drive) and hit the road—no need to wait too long and waste fuel. Safety comes first, as other gears can be hazardous.
