What does the N gear in an automatic transmission car mean?
2 Answers
The N gear in an automatic transmission car stands for Neutral, which can be used during startup, when parking without leaving the vehicle, or when towing. When the gear lever is in this position, the transmission idles, and the engine power cannot be transmitted to the drive wheels, having no driving or restraining effect on the wheels. It is not advisable to coast in Neutral (N gear) in an automatic transmission car. Some drivers shift to N gear while driving at high speeds or going downhill to save fuel, but this can damage the transmission. You can shift to N gear when waiting at traffic lights or for parking stops longer than 30 seconds, aiming to cut off the power transmission between the input and output shafts inside the transmission. If parked on a slope, remember to press the brake or engage the electronic handbrake to prevent the car from rolling.
The N gear in an automatic transmission is the neutral gear, which disconnects the power link between the engine and the wheels, allowing the vehicle to coast freely. I mainly use it when I need to make a brief stop without turning off the engine, such as during a long red light. Shifting to N gear and engaging the handbrake gives my right foot a rest while also preventing the transmission fluid from overheating. Additionally, when using an automatic car wash, the vehicle must be placed in N gear to move along the conveyor belt. However, it's important to note that the N gear lacks a locking mechanism. On slopes, always engage the handbrake firmly to prevent rolling, and never coast in N gear at high speeds—it's both dangerous and harmful to the transmission.
