Does Shifting to Neutral Gear While Parking an Automatic Transmission Car Damage the Vehicle?
2 Answers
Shifting to neutral gear (N) while parking an automatic transmission car does not damage the vehicle. Although using N gear doesn't harm the car, it doesn't fully engage the brakes, posing a risk of the car rolling when in neutral. Therefore, it's best to shift to park (P) gear when parking. Below are the methods for parking an automatic transmission car and an introduction to the car's gear positions: Methods for Parking an Automatic Transmission Car: First, press the foot brake to stop the car, then shift the gear from drive (D) to neutral (N) and engage the handbrake. Release the foot brake but do not turn off the power, then press the foot brake again and shift the gear from N to park (P). Release the foot brake and turn off the power. Introduction to Car Gear Positions: B gear is the brake gear. When driving on a long downhill stretch, shifting to B gear engages engine braking, preventing overheating of the brake pads due to prolonged use of the service brake, which could lead to accidents. P gear is the parking gear. When parking, shifting to P gear engages the parking brake, preventing the car from rolling. R gear is the reverse gear, used when reversing the car. However, R gear should only be engaged when the vehicle is completely stopped, as shifting to R while moving can cause severe damage to the transmission. N gear is the neutral gear, used for temporary stops, such as waiting at traffic lights. D gear is the drive gear, used when moving forward. S gear is the sport mode, where the transmission freely shifts gears based on current speed and the driver's throttle input, though with a slight delay during shifts.
When it comes to whether parking in N gear hurts an automatic transmission car, I have to say it's actually not a big issue. The N gear is neutral, designed to cut off power transmission during brief stops. For example, when waiting at a red light or in traffic, shifting to N gear and pulling the handbrake allows your foot to rest while avoiding overheating the transmission from constantly pressing the brake. However, I must remind you to always use the handbrake when in N gear, especially on slopes, to prevent the car from rolling and potential hazards. For long-term parking, it's better to switch to P gear because P gear has a locking mechanism that secures the transmission gears, preventing accidental vehicle movement. As for damaging the car, I've driven for over a decade and frequently use N gear at traffic lights without ever encountering transmission damage. As long as you don't shift to N gear while the car is moving to coast downhill or switch gears too frequently, normal usage is completely fine.
