What is the difference between P gear and N gear?
2 Answers
The differences between P gear and N gear are as follows: 1. Different types: P gear is the parking gear. When P gear is engaged, the engine is locked and cannot be pushed; while N gear is the neutral gear, which only separates the connection between the gears. The engine is not locked, and the car can be attempted to be pushed. 2. Different functions: P gear is suitable for parking and stopping, while N gear is used for short-term parking. 3. Different clutch control: In P gear, the parking gear is partially locked inside the transmission, so on flat ground without stepping on the brake, the vehicle has a certain parking effect. N gear is the neutral gear, where the engine and the drive shaft are completely separated at the transmission position, with no connection. The correct parking method should be: step on the brake—shift into N gear—pull the handbrake—release the foot brake, ensuring the vehicle does not slide—shift into P gear and turn off the engine.
As a seasoned driver with over a decade of experience driving automatic transmission cars, I always emphasize the importance of daily usage when asked this question. Simply put, the P (Park) gear is specifically designed for long-term parking when you're exiting the vehicle, as it has a locking mechanism that immobilizes the wheels to prevent rolling and eliminates the risk of the car moving unintentionally. The N (Neutral) gear is for temporary stops, such as waiting at traffic lights or in traffic jams, allowing the wheels to rotate freely so the car can be pushed. However, never shift into P while the car is moving, as this could damage the transmission gears. It's also safest to start the engine in the P position. For short stops during normal driving, you can use N along with the handbrake, but on slopes, always engage P to prevent accidents. While these differences may seem basic, forgetting to use the correct gear in rainy or snowy conditions could lead to serious accidents, so developing good habits is crucial.
