Can You Shift to Neutral (N) Gear When Parking an Automatic Transmission Car?

[McJoseph]

If it's a temporary stop, you can shift to N gear, but for prolonged parking, shifting to N gear is not recommended. Below is some relevant information about automatic transmissions: 1. Working Principle: Automatic transmissions use planetary gear mechanisms to shift gears automatically based on the degree of throttle pedal input and vehicle speed changes. The driver only needs to control the speed using the accelerator pedal. 2. Classification of Automatic Transmissions: Hydraulic automatic transmissions, hydrostatic automatic transmissions, electric automatic transmissions, stepped mechanical automatic transmissions, and continuously variable mechanical automatic transmissions. The most common type is the hydraulic automatic transmission. 3. Common Misconceptions: Push-starting the engine. For cars equipped with automatic transmissions and three-way catalytic converters, if the battery is dead and the car cannot start, pushing the car or towing it to start will not transfer power to the engine and may damage the three-way catalytic converter.

[McElla]

This question reminds me of my usual driving habits. When encountering a red light or needing to stop temporarily for a minute or two, I usually shift to Neutral (N) and engage the handbrake, allowing my right foot to relax. From a professional perspective, shifting an automatic transmission to Neutral won't damage the gearbox because the power transmission is cut off, leaving the drivetrain in an idle state. However, it's important to note that for prolonged parking, such as over three minutes or when leaving the car, you should definitely shift to Park (P), as the locking mechanism in P gear prevents the vehicle from rolling. Extra caution is needed when parking on slopes—even in Neutral, the handbrake must be engaged to avoid the significant risk of rolling backward. Modern automatic transmissions are designed with the intention of making brief stops more comfortable in Neutral, and it can even reduce engine load while waiting at traffic lights. However, frequent gear shifting can increase wear on the shifting mechanism, so I only operate this way when necessary.

[VonHannah]

Having worked in auto repair for over a decade, I often get asked this question. When the transmission is in N (Neutral) gear, the gears are disengaged, and engine power is not transmitted. It's indeed fine for occasional parking use. Short-term operation like this won't damage the transmission oil circuits as hydraulic oil continues circulating. I advise vehicle owners to pay attention to three points: First, always engage the handbrake when shifting to N gear, otherwise the unsecured driveshaft may slide; Second, avoid keeping the transmission in N gear for extended periods, especially in turbocharged models, as prolonged idling may cause overheating; Third, always shift to N gear when towing, otherwise forced towing may damage the gearbox. The parking pawl mechanism in automatic transmission's P (Park) gear is what truly locks the wheels. For parking exceeding three minutes, shifting to P gear is safer and more reliable. N gear is only suitable for temporary situations.

[DeEmily]

From a fuel-saving perspective, briefly shifting to N gear when parked is indeed beneficial. When in D gear with the brake pressed, the transmission torque converter maintains output torque to counteract resistance, increasing fuel consumption by about 5%. Shifting to N gear allows the engine to maintain only idle speed, saving a few milliliters of gasoline per kilometer, which is more noticeable when using air conditioning in summer. However, frequent gear shifting can lead to increased wear on the solenoid valves and higher maintenance costs, outweighing the benefits. I generally only shift to N gear when stopping at traffic lights for more than 45 seconds, keeping D gear for short daily stops. It's important to engage the handbrake when in N gear to prevent rolling, while P gear is preferred on slopes. Modern cars with start-stop systems can automatically shut off the engine in D gear to save fuel, which is much more efficient than manually shifting to N gear.