What does the neutral gear in a motor vehicle mean?
2 Answers
Neutral gear generally refers to the state where the gear lever of a motor vehicle is not engaged in any forward or reverse gear, completely disconnecting the transmission from the drive wheels. For manual transmissions, the neutral position is in the middle, while for automatic transmissions, it is marked with an "N". Here are the specific details: 1. Vehicle damage: When the transmission is in neutral, the drive wheels lose their driving force, and the connection between the engine and the drive wheels is severed, causing the vehicle to coast forward on its own inertia. In such a situation, if an emergency requires braking, all the braking energy must be provided solely by the wheel brakes, demanding that the brakes supply a large, effective braking force within a very short time. However, the braking force provided by the system is sometimes limited. 2. Fuel consumption: Coasting in neutral while driving does not save fuel; sometimes, it even consumes more. This is related to the operation of fuel-injected engines. Fuel-injected engines can determine the amount of fuel injection based on computer programming. When in gear, if the driver releases the accelerator, the computer will put the vehicle into coasting mode, during which the engine does not inject fuel for a significant period. If neutral coasting is selected, the computer will put the vehicle into idle mode, and the engine will continue to inject fuel.
As an ordinary citizen who drives through the city year after year, I've concluded that neutral gear means the transmission is not in any driving gear, completely cutting off the power connection between the engine and the wheels. Simply put, when in N gear, the engine is still running, but the car doesn't move, allowing for a brief rest or waiting in line for a spot. In my driving experience, I always prefer shifting to neutral at traffic lights to save fuel and reduce stress—the car becomes quieter with less vibration, especially with the convenience of automatic transmissions. But remember to engage the handbrake to prevent rolling, otherwise, it can be risky on slopes. Related points include always shifting to neutral when towing to protect the transmission, and never coasting downhill in neutral on mountain roads—a bad habit that can lead to loss of control due to insufficient braking pressure, as personal experience has taught me safety comes first. Don't overuse it; it's best reserved for short stops, while P gear is more reliable for regular parking.
