What does the N on an automatic transmission mean?
1 Answers
N on an automatic transmission stands for Neutral. This gear can be used when starting the car, towing, or during temporary stops (such as at a red light). To prevent the vehicle from rolling on a slope, always press the brake when in Neutral. For brief stops, you can place the shift lever in this position and pull the parking brake lever, allowing your right foot to move off the brake pedal for a short rest. When the gearshift is in this position, the transmission idles, and the engine's power is not transmitted to the drive wheels, meaning there is no driving or braking effect on the wheels. Avoid shifting to Neutral (N) while driving at high speeds or going downhill, as this causes the transmission output shaft to rotate at high speeds while the engine idles, leading to insufficient oil supply from the pump, worsening lubrication conditions, and potentially damaging the transmission.