Should the brake be pressed when shifting to N gear?

[Erik]

Shifting to N gear does not require pressing the brake. N gear is neutral, with no power connection. When shifting to neutral, the handbrake must be firmly engaged; otherwise, the vehicle may roll. If N gear is engaged for an extended period while the vehicle is moving forward, it can lead to transmission damage. Short-term use of N gear: The N gear in an automatic transmission car can be used for short-term parking when the vehicle is completely stationary. For example, N gear can be used when waiting at a red light. At this point, the power between the engine and the transmission is already cut off. Since the automatic transmission is designed such that the traction force disappears in N gear and the engine power is reduced, shifting to N gear during short-term parking can save fuel. Long-term use of N gear: If an automatic transmission car is turned off with the gear left in N gear, the vehicle will be in an unstable state. On uneven roads, the vehicle may roll, which is very dangerous.

[DiDavid]

I'm someone who prioritizes safety while driving, and when I shift to neutral (N) in an automatic transmission car, I always keep my foot on the brake pedal. The main reason is that without pressing the brake, the vehicle might unexpectedly move or roll, especially on slopes or uneven surfaces, which could lead to accidents or collisions. From my personal experience, pressing the brake when shifting from park (P) to neutral activates the transmission's safety lock mechanism, preventing loss of control. Keeping the brake pressed after shifting to neutral ensures the car remains completely stationary. Once, I forgot to press the brake at my neighborhood entrance, and the car rolled slightly, nearly hitting a trash bin—since then, I've made it a habit. Moreover, most modern cars are designed to require the brake pedal to be pressed for gear changes, a safety feature engineered to protect occupants. If you're concerned about fuel consumption or leg fatigue, briefly shifting to neutral won’t have a major impact, but safety always comes first. Developing this good habit is simple: come to a complete stop, firmly press the brake with your right foot before shifting, and ensure everything is secure.

[MaggieLee]

I've been driving for over twenty years, having tried both automatic and manual transmissions. As for shifting to neutral and stepping on the brake, I believe it entirely depends on habits and situations. Generally speaking, when starting the engine in neutral, you must press the brake pedal—otherwise, the transmission won't respond, and the car might suddenly move. After shifting, if it's a brief stop like at a red light, I don't fuss about keeping the brake pressed as long as the ground is level and there's no issue. But experience has taught me that on slopes or in parking lots, you must firmly hold the brake to prevent rolling and avoid friction or scratches. In daily driving, I always advise beginners to develop the habit of pressing the brake—it significantly improves safety. If driving older models, not pressing the brake might accelerate component wear, so it's best to regularly check the brake and transmission condition. In short, the simple rule is: stop completely, shift gears, and keep your foot on the brake. Don't cut corners—convenience often leads to trouble.

[McCamille]

As a careful female driver, I handle car operations with caution. When shifting to neutral, I always press the brake pedal, especially during startup or gear changes, to prevent unexpected vehicle movement that could cause harm. During regular driving, I make sure my foot is on the brake, which gives me a greater sense of security; if briefly stopping in neutral, pressing the brake also prevents rolling backward or forward. After developing this habit, my operations have become smoother, reducing anxiety.