Can You Turn Off the Engine in Neutral Gear?

[OCarlos]

You can turn off the engine in neutral gear. Correct engine shutdown procedure: Shift to P gear, engage the handbrake; turn off the engine, release the foot brake. Neutral Gear (N): Also known as the neutral position. In this state, the planetary gear system idles without power output. Most people consider N gear as neutral and often use it when stopping at red lights. However, you should shift to P gear when parking. N gear is used for towing, and the towing distance should not exceed 50 kilometers to avoid damaging the transmission. The main difference between the two gears is whether the transmission is locked. In P gear, the transmission is locked, and any external force moving the vehicle while in P gear can cause severe damage to the transmission. Only shift to P gear after the vehicle has come to a complete stop.

[Gayle]

I've always driven automatic transmission cars and tried turning off the engine in N gear. It does work - the engine stops, but the car can roll when parked on a slope, which is very dangerous. So now I've developed the habit of shifting to P gear to lock the transmission before turning off the engine, while also engaging the parking brake for double protection. Don't underestimate this operation - it can prevent rollaway accidents or transmission wear. For manual transmissions, turning off the engine in N gear is even less problematic, but for safety, it's still better to use the brake. Paying attention to these details in daily driving can make you feel more at ease and save you from repair troubles.

[DeSophia]

Having driven for over a decade, I understand the issue with turning off the engine in N gear: technically feasible, but not recommended for automatic transmissions due to the lack of a locking mechanism—there's a risk of rolling if parked on a slope. Manuals generally advise turning off the engine in P gear to protect the transmission. I always use P gear along with the parking brake, and since forming this good habit, I've never had any issues. In the long run, this practice can also extend the vehicle's lifespan. While turning off a manual transmission in N gear is safe, the principle of safety first never changes.

[StZoe]

As a car enthusiast, I understand the details of transmission design: in automatic transmissions, shifting to N (Neutral) can turn off the engine, but the gears aren't locked, unlike P (Park) with its parking pawl. The risk lies in the vehicle potentially moving. In emergencies, briefly turning off the engine in N is acceptable, but under normal circumstances, prioritize shifting to P. Manual transmissions are safer for turning off the engine in N since the drivetrain is disconnected. Always remember to engage the parking brake to prevent rolling—this simple step significantly enhances safety.