What is the difference between N gear and P gear in an automatic transmission?
2 Answers
Automatic transmission N gear and P gear have the following differences: 1. Different types: P gear is called the parking gear, while N gear is called the neutral gear. 2. Different functions: P gear is suitable for parking and stopping, while N gear is used for short-term parking. 3. Different clutch mechanisms: The parking gear in P gear is partially locked inside the transmission, so on flat ground, the vehicle has a certain parking effect even without pressing the brake. N gear is the neutral gear, where the engine and drive shaft are completely separated at the transmission position with no connection. 4. Note: The vehicle must be completely stopped before shifting into P gear; otherwise, it may damage the locking mechanism inside the transmission and easily damage the shift switch within the transmission.
I've been driving to work for several years with an automatic transmission car, and there's quite a difference between the P gear and N gear in daily use. The P gear is the parking gear. When you need to turn off the engine and get out of the car or park for a long time, you must shift to P gear. This way, the locking mechanism in the transmission will lock the wheels, preventing the car from rolling downhill, which is very safe. I remember last time I parked on a slope without shifting to P gear, the car almost slid away, giving me a big scare. The N gear is neutral, disconnecting the engine from the wheels, allowing the car to be pushed freely, but it's not locked. It's suitable for short stops, like waiting at a red light or during car washes, as the engine isn't pulling the wheels, saving some fuel. I always make it a habit to shift to N gear and pull the handbrake at red lights to avoid fatigue from constantly pressing the brake. An important point is that you must press the brake before shifting to P gear to ensure smooth gear changes and avoid damaging the car. Never shift to P or N gear while driving—it might just make a clunking noise at best, but at worst, it could damage the transmission, and repair costs aren't cheap. During regular maintenance, I also remind the mechanic to check these gear sensors.
