What does the N gear in an automatic transmission represent?
2 Answers
N gear stands for neutral. Below is a partial introduction about the parking gear in automatic transmission vehicles: 1. Automatic transmission vehicles not only have an N gear but also a P gear; both N and P gears can be used when parking. 2. After shifting into P gear, the locking mechanism inside the automatic transmission will lock the transmission gears, which is equivalent to indirectly locking the wheels; at this time, the car cannot move even without pulling the handbrake. 3. After shifting into N gear, there is no locking mechanism to lock the transmission gears, so the car can move without pulling the handbrake. 4. The N gear can be used for short-term parking without turning off the engine, while the P gear is used when parking and turning off the engine.
I've been driving automatic transmission cars for nearly twenty years. The N gear stands for neutral, which simply means the car isn't engaged in any gear and the engine is idling. It's quite convenient when stopping at traffic lights or for short pauses, as it reduces the burden on the transmission and eliminates the need to constantly use the handbrake. However, it's crucial to remember never to shift into N gear while driving, as the car will coast freely, and if you need power to control it, the lack of response can be dangerous. Also, when towing, you should always put the car in N gear to allow the wheels to rotate freely. I recommend that beginners first understand the differences between P, R, D, and other gears: P gear is for parking and locks the transmission, suitable for long stops; D gear is for driving. Develop the habit of not being lazy and just shifting into N gear when parking, as this can easily lead to the car rolling and causing an accident. Make sure to regularly check the auto-hold function, as modern cars are a big help in this regard. In short, safety comes first when using a car, and regular maintenance is also key.
