Can an automatic transmission car be parked in N gear?

[StElijah]

For long-term parking of an automatic transmission car, use P gear, while for short-term parking, N gear can be used. Below are some extended parking-related information: 1. When waiting at a red light, you can choose to either shift to N gear or stay in D gear while pressing the brake. Parking with the brake pressed while in D gear does not harm the car because the torque converter in the transmission is equipped with a reaction wheel with a one-way clutch, which amplifies the torque from the engine crankshaft. It does not rotate at engine idle speed and only engages when the engine speed increases. 2. It's also fine to press the brake while waiting at a red light, or to shift to N gear and engage the handbrake. 3. For long-term parking, the handbrake must be used; otherwise, it may damage the transmission's locking mechanism. The difference between P gear and N gear is that in P gear, there are gears engaged inside the transmission, which not only helps with parking but also assists in vehicle braking. After parking, always shift the gear to P gear.

[LeAnnie]

Having driven for so many years, it's acceptable to shift an automatic transmission car into N (Neutral) gear when parked, especially for brief stops on level ground, such as waiting at a red light or during a car wash—many people do this. However, the key is to always engage the parking brake firmly; otherwise, the car may roll, particularly on slopes. It's advisable to develop good habits: in most cases, shifting into P (Park) gear is the safest option because it locks the transmission, preventing accidental rolling. For long-term parking, leaving the car in N gear without the parking brake may lead to vehicle movement or transmission wear. My experience is that safety comes first—even on flat ground, prioritize shifting into P gear and applying the parking brake to minimize risks.

[VivienneMarie]

When I first started learning to drive, I tried parking in N gear, thinking it was fuel-efficient and convenient. But once on a small slope, the car almost rolled, which scared me badly. Since then, I only use N gear in specific situations like brief waits, always ensuring the handbrake is engaged or the foot brake is pressed. Regular parking in P gear is much safer, as the manual recommends shifting to P gear when the vehicle is stopped to lock the wheels. After developing this habit, driving feels more secure, avoiding accidental slips.

[VonEmiliano]

As a car enthusiast, the N (Neutral) gear in automatic transmissions is primarily used for temporary neutral states, such as when towing or during maintenance to allow the wheels to rotate freely. While parking in N gear is technically feasible, on slopes or in windy conditions, the vehicle may roll and cause harm. The P (Park) gear is designed with a parking lock mechanism that secures the transmission shaft, protecting the vehicle. For regular parking, it's recommended to firmly engage the P gear along with the handbrake for maximum reliability, which not only extends the transmission's lifespan but also prevents potential hazards.