What are the differences between Park and Neutral?
1 Answers
The differences between Neutral and Park gear: 1. Definition difference: Neutral usually refers to the state where the vehicle's gear lever is not engaged in any forward or reverse gear, completely separating the transmission from the drive wheels. For manual transmissions, Neutral is in the middle position, while for automatic transmissions, it's marked as "N". Park gear, denoted as "P", is used for parking. It employs a mechanical device to lock the vehicle's rotating parts, preventing movement. 2. Usage difference: Park gear: The gear lever should be in P when parking or starting. When parking on a slope or stationary, always engage the handbrake first before shifting to P. Neutral: The gear lever should be in N during idling or starting, but there's no need to shift to N during brief stops like at traffic lights. Never shift to Neutral to coast while driving, as this not only fails to save fuel but can cause significant damage to the automatic transmission. 3. Functional difference: Neutral is mainly used during starting, towing, or temporary stops (e.g., at red lights). Park gear can assist the handbrake but shouldn't replace it; for prolonged parking, the gear lever should be in P with the handbrake engaged. For short stops while driving, you can remain in D while holding the brake pedal, without shifting to P.
