Can I directly shift to neutral when parking?

[GrahamRose]

You can directly shift to neutral when parking. Here are the details about neutral gear: 1. Regardless of the gear, pressing the clutch will cut off power transmission, which functions similarly to neutral gear, but it is not actually neutral; 2. Neutral gear means disconnecting the power transmission and the driven gears inside the transmission, while pressing the clutch disconnects the power transmission and the driven parts in the clutch. When driving, no matter which gear you are in; 3. If you press the clutch, the vehicle's driving state is almost the same as being in neutral, with no obvious difference, just like when you shift to neutral after stopping the car.

[LeAlyssa]

Parking in neutral? I often think about doing this, but it's not a good idea. Especially on slopes, the car can easily roll away. Once, I parked at the supermarket entrance in neutral without engaging the handbrake, and the car rolled back and hit another vehicle, costing me a lot in damages. For automatic transmissions, shifting to neutral leaves the gears unlocked, allowing the wheels to move freely. The same goes for manual cars—even if it seems stable, vibrations or slopes can cause it to move. Safety first. For short stops like at traffic lights, I might shift to neutral and use the foot brake to save a bit of fuel. But for long-term parking, like in a home garage or on the road, you must use the parking brake. For automatic cars, it's best to shift to P (Park), and for manuals, engage the handbrake and leave it in gear. Remember this and make it a habit to avoid trouble, protecting both your car and others'. Regularly checking the braking system is also crucial—after all, safety details determine everything. Don’t cut corners; doing it right is what counts.

[NadiaMarie]

Shifting to neutral when parking may sound convenient, but I don't recommend it. Without being secured, even a slight vibration or incline can cause the car to move, potentially harming people or damaging property. Automatic transmission owners should shift to P (Park), while manual transmission users should engage first or reverse gear and firmly apply the handbrake. I've seen too many friends get lazy and shift directly to neutral, only to have their cars roll downhill and hit a wall after parking, resulting in repair costs of several hundred dollars. The key is to consider different situations: it's acceptable to shift to neutral for brief stops on level ground, like waiting for someone for a few seconds; but it's absolutely not advisable for long-term parking or on slopes. My practice is to apply the handbrake every time I park, check if the car is stable, and develop this habit to avoid accidents. Safety is no small matter—don't take risks just to save a little effort. By the way, ensuring the proper functioning of the braking system is also crucial.

[Murphy]

Parking in neutral is unsafe, and I strongly oppose doing so. Automatic transmission cars can roll away, and the same goes for manual cars—wheels aren't locked, and even a slight slope can cause movement. I recommend using the parking brake to secure the vehicle: shift to 'P' for automatics, or engage the handbrake plus a gear for manuals. Short stops at traffic lights can utilize neutral to reduce wear, but always switch back afterward. The risks are high—don't attempt this casually.