What does N mean in an automatic transmission?
1 Answers
In an automatic transmission vehicle, N stands for Neutral. It is used for temporary parking, stopping the vehicle's movement without interrupting power. For example, when waiting at a traffic light, you should also engage the handbrake. This gear should not be used when going downhill. The P, R, N, and D in an automatic transmission vehicle represent the corresponding gears, simply summarized as P for Parking, R for Reverse, N for Neutral, and D for Drive. PRNDS represents the gears: 1. D-Drive: The most commonly used gear, where shifting up or down can be controlled by the throttle. 2. P-Parking: After the vehicle stops, engaging P gear prevents the vehicle from moving. Unlike N gear, P gear interrupts power output. Some models now have an independent P gear called electronic parking, which works on the same principle. 3. N-Neutral: Used for temporary parking, stopping the vehicle's movement without interrupting power. For example, when waiting at a traffic light, you should also engage the handbrake. This gear should not be used when going downhill. 4. R-Reverse: This gear can only be engaged when the vehicle is stationary. Models with a lock button require pressing the button to switch. 5. S-Sport: The difference between D and S gears is simply the computer switching to a different shifting program, so S gear can be switched to at any time without damaging the transmission. It is suitable for overtaking and climbing hills but is not recommended for other scenarios due to higher fuel consumption. 6. L-Low: When going downhill, engaging low gear reduces brake usage; when going uphill, low gear provides more power. D1 (or L gear), D2, and D3 correspond to manual transmission gears 1 and 2, 3 and 4, and 5 and 6, respectively. 7. M-Manual mode: A gear unique to vehicles with manual-automatic transmission, allowing the enjoyment of manual shifting. The '+' sign indicates upshifting, while the '-' sign indicates downshifting. Downshift for overtaking, downhill driving, or when entering a highway.
