Is it okay to park an automatic transmission car in neutral?
2 Answers
Parking an automatic transmission car in neutral is not recommended as it constitutes coasting in neutral. Here is an introduction to coasting in neutral: 1. Introduction to coasting in neutral: During vehicle operation, the driver places the gear shift lever in the neutral position, disengaging the clutch between the engine and the drive wheels, and relies on the vehicle's inertia to move. 2. Hazards of coasting in neutral: It damages the braking system and endangers personal safety. When coasting in neutral, the "internal braking" effect is lost because the engine and transmission are disconnected. If the vehicle in front stops suddenly when the distance between two cars is short, and the rear car is coasting in neutral, the rear car can only rely entirely on the wheel braking system, making rear-end collisions highly likely.
I remember this issue very clearly. Having driven for over ten years, I've seen too many beginners make mistakes. When parking an automatic transmission car, you must never leave it in neutral; it should always be in Park (P). Neutral is the N position, which doesn’t lock the transmission, allowing the vehicle to potentially roll, especially on slopes—this is extremely dangerous. A friend of mine once forgot to put it in P, and the car rolled a short distance before hitting a wall, costing a lot in repairs. For temporary stops like at red lights, shifting to neutral can save a bit of fuel and reduce transmission stress, but you must keep your foot firmly on the brake. The key point is that Park (P) is designed to engage internal mechanisms that secure the vehicle, ensuring safety, whereas neutral merely disengages the drivetrain and doesn’t prevent rolling. Developing the habit of shifting to P every time you park is crucial, and adding the handbrake provides double security. This protects your car and prevents accidents.
