Do You Need to Press the Brake in Neutral Gear for Automatic Transmission?
2 Answers
N gear is the neutral gear, typically used for brief stops. In this case, the right foot can leave the brake pedal to rest. However, on slopes, you still need to press the brake to prevent the car from rolling, unless you engage the handbrake or electronic brake. Below are introductions and precautions for automatic transmission gear positions: 1. P gear: Parking gear. When the vehicle is completely stationary, press the unlock button at the front of the gear lever to shift into P gear. 2. R gear: Reverse gear. When the vehicle is completely stationary, press the brake pedal, then press the unlock button at the front of the gear lever to shift into R gear. Slowly press the accelerator after releasing the brake pedal to move the vehicle backward. 3. D gear: Drive gear. You can directly shift from N gear to D gear. This gear is generally used when the vehicle is moving forward, and the system will automatically shift up or down based on engine load and speed.
I've been driving for decades, and regarding the question of whether to press the brake when shifting to N (Neutral) in an automatic transmission, my experience is that it's best not to skip this step. Because N stands for Neutral, where the wheels and engine are disconnected, but it doesn't lock the wheels, so at any moment when parked, the car could roll, especially on slopes or inclined surfaces. I once saw a friend not press the brake on a slope, and the car rolled back almost hitting the car behind—it was quite dangerous. I strongly recommend developing the habit of pressing the brake, as this ensures the vehicle is completely stationary, avoiding trouble for others or yourself. Additionally, shifting to D (Drive) to start again is smoother, making the driving experience feel safer. In complex intersections or during rainy days, pressing the brake can also prevent the risk of accidental starts leading to rear-end collisions. Overall, it's a small action but a big safety measure.