Which gear should be used to start an automatic transmission car?
3 Answers
To start an automatic transmission car, you need to shift to N gear first, then ignite, and then shift to D gear to start moving forward. Here are the detailed introductions of automatic transmission gears: 1. P gear is the parking gear: When the gear lever is in the P gear position, the transmission is in neutral inside, but the output shaft is mechanically locked. At this time, the car will stop in place even without stepping on the brake. It is generally used for long-term parking of the car. When shifting into P gear, the car must be completely stationary. Do not shift into P gear when the car is not fully stopped, and the handbrake must be engaged. When parking on a slope, you need to engage the handbrake first and then shift into P gear. 2. R gear is the reverse gear: When the gear lever is in the R gear position, the rotation direction of the transmission output shaft is opposite to that of the engine, allowing the car to move backward. When shifting into R gear, the car must be completely stationary. Do not shift into R gear when the car is not fully stopped. 3. N gear is the neutral gear: When the gear lever is in the N gear position, the gears inside the transmission are in idle state, and the clutch is not engaged. At this time, the load on the transmission is the smallest. N gear is generally used for short-term parking, such as waiting for a traffic light, and the transmission should also be in N gear when the car is being towed. 4. D gear is the driving gear: When the gear lever is in the D gear position, the gears inside the transmission automatically switch between the lowest gear and the highest gear according to the set shifting rules based on factors such as vehicle speed and throttle opening. In most cases, you can drive using D gear.
I'm a new driver who just got my license. Every time I get into an automatic transmission car to start it, the first thing I do is shift the gear lever to the P position. This is a safety rule repeatedly emphasized by my instructor, because the P gear locks the transmission, preventing the car from rolling unexpectedly, which is especially important when parked on a slope. Before starting, I press the brake pedal firmly, then turn the key or press the start button, and the engine ignites and lights up. After the engine runs stably, I shift to D gear and drive away slowly. Developing this habit is crucial. If you mistakenly start in D gear, modern cars will automatically prevent it to protect the transmission, but improper operation over time may damage internal parts, and repairs can be extremely expensive. After practicing a few times, it becomes second nature, making the start of driving smoother and more reassuring.
I'm very interested in automotive mechanics, and there's a good reason why starting an automatic transmission car must be in the P (Park) position. Inside the P gear, there's a locking mechanism that engages with the gear, securing the output shaft to prevent movement and ensuring safe engine ignition. Other gears like D (Drive) have power connections, and the excessive current during startup could potentially cause the friction plates to burn out. Manufacturers design the system to only allow ignition in P or N (Neutral) as a protective mechanism, but I insist on using only P gear for greater reliability, especially on slopes to prevent the car from rolling. The startup procedure: first confirm the P gear indicator is lit, press the brake pedal firmly, and after starting the engine, shift gears smoothly. Developing this good habit protects the transmission system, extends its lifespan, and avoids unnecessary repair hassles. Simple operations maintain vehicle health.
