Is Neutral Gear P or N?
2 Answers
N stands for Neutral, which can be used when starting the vehicle, towing, or during temporary stops (such as at a red light). Below are the relevant explanations: 1. Gear Explanation: N (Neutral) is the neutral gear, used for brief stops; P (Parking) is the parking gear, used for long-term parking. To prevent the vehicle from rolling on a slope, always press the brake when in neutral. When the gear lever is in the "N" position, the power between the engine and the transmission is cut off. For short stops, you can place the lever in this gear and pull out the handbrake lever, allowing your right foot to move away from the brake pedal for a brief rest. 3. Starting the Vehicle: The vehicle can only be started in P or N gear. To shift out of P gear, you must press the brake. The use of N gear for starting is when the vehicle is to be driven forward immediately after starting. You can first turn on the power (without starting the engine), press the brake, shift the gear to N, then start the engine. After the engine runs for 3-5 minutes, shift to D gear and drive forward directly. This avoids the transmission experiencing a reverse impact when starting in P gear, which requires passing through R gear.
Having driven automatic transmission cars for over a decade, I believe Neutral (N) gear is indeed just that. The Park (P) gear is specifically for parking, where a locking mechanism in the transmission secures the wheels to prevent rolling. However, Neutral gear is different—it merely disconnects the engine from the wheels, allowing the car to move freely. I remember last time while queuing at a gas station car wash, I shifted to N gear and let the car roll forward slowly. But never leave the car in N gear on a slope without engaging the handbrake—I once nearly bumped into the car behind me. For short stops like at red lights, using N gear with the foot brake is sufficient, but for prolonged parking, always shift to P gear for maximum safety.
