Can an automatic transmission car be put in neutral when temporarily parked?

[OJuliette]

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.

[DelFinley]

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.

[LeVera]

I think it's reasonable to shift to neutral gear when briefly stopping in an automatic transmission car, but safety must be prioritized. Every time I pick up goods at a convenience store or wait briefly at a traffic light, I shift to N gear and firmly engage the handbrake. This avoids keeping my foot on the brake pedal and slightly reduces engine load, contributing to fuel savings. Regarding safety, I must emphasize the importance of the handbrake to prevent unintended vehicle movement; on slopes, I don't dare use neutral gear but directly shift to P gear to prevent rolling. Although the fuel savings aren't significant, this practice reduces stress on the transmission, extending the lifespan of car components. As a car owner, I read the manual and found it recommends using N gear for stops exceeding 30 seconds, so it's a good habit, but carelessness in operation must be avoided to prevent accident risks.

[NovaDella]

From a vehicle maintenance perspective, I use neutral gear during brief stops to reduce wear. For example, at red lights lasting tens of seconds, I shift to N gear and engage the handbrake. This reduces load on the engine and transmission, prevents overheating, and minimizes wear issues while achieving slight fuel savings. The key when using N gear is properly securing the handbrake, especially on slopes where P gear is more reliable. I'm not concerned about damaging the car as this is common practice, but correct operation is crucial. This approach helps maintain healthy vehicle operation.