Is N the Reverse Gear?
2 Answers
N is not the reverse gear. Here is more information about the N gear: Definition: The N gear is one of the three standard gears in automatic transmission models, located between the R gear and D gear on the gearshift console. Its essence is the neutral gear in the transmission. Function: Its purpose is to cut off the power transmission between the input shaft and output shaft inside the transmission. Precautions: Automatic transmission vehicles should not coast in neutral under non-special circumstances, as it is not only unsafe but can also damage the transmission due to insufficient lubrication of gears and other parts caused by the transmission oil pump's inadequate oil supply. Additionally, the N gear is a pure neutral gear without a braking mechanism, requiring the use of the parking brake or brake pedal to park; otherwise, the vehicle may roll on uneven surfaces.
With over 20 years of driving experience, I've learned that accidentally shifting into the wrong gear can be really dangerous. On an automatic transmission, 'N' stands for Neutral, not Reverse; you must shift to 'R' to back up. Neutral 'N' puts the car in a no-power state, suitable for towing or brief stops, but if you shift to 'N' when trying to reverse, the car won't move at all—the engine will just idle, potentially wearing out the transmission. I've seen beginners make this mistake in parking lots, trying to reverse but shifting to 'N' instead, thinking their car is broken when it doesn't move, nearly causing traffic jams. The correct approach is to ensure you're in 'P' (Park) when stopped, then press the brake firmly after starting the engine before shifting to 'R' to reverse. Safety first—always glance at the dashboard to confirm the gear position before driving, especially in unfamiliar parking lots or on slopes. Developing this habit can prevent many accidents.
