Can an automatic transmission car be put in neutral when temporarily parked?
2 Answers
Yes, it will not damage the transmission and there are no safety issues. Here is some relevant information about neutral gear: 1. Introduction one: Neutral gear usually refers to the state where the vehicle's gear shift lever is not engaged in any forward or reverse gear, and the transmission is completely separated from the drive wheels. The neutral position for manual transmissions is in the middle, while for automatic transmissions, it is marked with an "N". 2. Introduction two: Coasting in neutral has long been considered a fuel-saving operation, especially by most truck drivers who often turn off the engine and coast in neutral to save fuel. However, for fuel-injected engine cars, coasting in neutral should be used with caution, and turning off the engine while coasting in neutral is not recommended.
Having driven automatic transmission cars for over a decade, I frequently use neutral gear when waiting at red lights or making brief roadside stops. For instance, when a red light exceeds 15 seconds, I shift to N gear and engage the handbrake. This reduces the engine's load by not constantly dragging the wheels, leading to slight fuel savings. The fuel economy aspect is quite practical, as it accumulates to reduce expenses over time; more importantly, it helps protect the transmission from overheating and wear. However, it's crucial to properly engage the handbrake, especially on slopes where I'm extra cautious, as the brakes are less secure in neutral and the car can roll. Therefore, I only practice this habit on level ground. For longer stops, such as queues exceeding a minute, I shift to P gear for added safety. Overall, using neutral for brief stops is safe and practical—I've never encountered any issues, and this habit makes driving more relaxed and efficient.
