The Difference Between N Gear and P Gear
3 Answers
When shifting into N gear, the car will not shut off, but the power is simply not transmitted to the drive wheels, preventing the car from moving. However, the wheels are not braked, posing a risk of rolling backward or moving. On the other hand, when shifting into P gear, the parking brake mechanism inside the transmission locks the output shaft, cutting off power to the car and providing a certain braking effect. Below are the relevant introductions about N gear and P gear: 1. N (Neutral) Gear: Neutral gear N is equivalent to the neutral gear in a manual transmission and can be used when starting or towing the car. While waiting at a signal or in traffic, the gear selector is often kept in D (Drive) position with the brake pedal pressed. If the stop is very brief, this is manageable, but for longer stops, it is better to shift into N position and engage the handbrake. 2. P (Parking) Gear: When this gear is engaged, the wheels are mechanically locked to prevent rolling. The vehicle must be completely stopped before using P gear, otherwise, the mechanical parts of the automatic transmission could be damaged. Additionally, automatic transmission cars are generally equipped with a start-up switch that allows the engine to start only when the gear is in "P" or "N" position, preventing sudden forward movement if the engine is accidentally started in other gears.
There are significant differences between Neutral (N) and Park (P) in automatic transmission vehicles. With over ten years of driving experience, the most noticeable distinction is that the P gear locks the transmission system when parking, firmly securing the vehicle to prevent it from rolling away. It is suitable for turning off the engine or long-term parking. The N gear is neutral, where power is not transmitted, allowing the vehicle to roll freely. It is typically used for short stops at traffic lights with the foot brake or when towing. Confusing them can be dangerous—I once saw someone park on a slope using only the N gear without engaging the handbrake, causing the car to roll downhill and crash into a wall. Therefore, always remember to shift into P when parking, and start the engine from P as well. Don’t cut corners by carelessly shifting gears—safety comes first, and it also helps maintain the transmission hassle-free.
Understanding the N and P gears is quite simple. The P gear is like a big hook that locks the tires to prevent them from rotating, providing complete anti-slip protection. It must be used when parking, especially on slopes or in supermarket parking lots. As for the N gear, it cuts off the power but allows the tires to rotate freely. It can be used for short waits at traffic lights or when towing, such as switching to N gear during traffic jams to save fuel in combination with braking. Don't mistake the N gear for a substitute for the P gear. Once, I turned off the engine in N gear for convenience and nearly caused an accident because the car wasn't locked and could have rolled. Automatic transmissions are designed with the P gear specifically for safe parking. Develop the habit of checking before starting the engine to protect the transmission and avoid costly repairs.
