What is the N gear and how to use it?

[JaxsonLynn]

The N gear in a car stands for Neutral, which can be engaged when waiting at a traffic light. To prevent the vehicle from rolling, you need to keep your foot on the brake. If the waiting time is longer, it is recommended to engage the handbrake, allowing your foot to rest off the brake pedal. N gear: Neutral means 'neutral' and is also called the neutral gear. Many car owners have a misconception that shifting into N gear while coasting downhill or at high speeds can save fuel. In fact, this is a serious mistake, as it not only fails to save fuel but can also damage the transmission. In addition, automatic transmission cars have other gear positions such as P, R, S, D, L, and M. Here is a detailed introduction: P gear: Parking means 'parking.' It is used when parking the car. After reaching the destination or when parking for an extended period, shift the gear lever into this position. Note: The vehicle must be completely stopped before shifting into P gear. Shifting into P gear before the vehicle has fully stopped can damage the automatic transmission. When in P gear, the wheels are mechanically locked, preventing the car from moving forward or backward. Therefore, always engage P gear when parking on an incline. Additionally, during short stops (e.g., at traffic lights), it is best not to shift into P gear to avoid severe transmission damage in case of a rear-end collision. R gear: Reverse means 'reverse.' It is used when reversing the car. To reverse, press the safety button on the gear lever and shift into R gear. However, ensure the vehicle is completely stopped before shifting to avoid severe transmission damage. S gear: Sport means 'sport.' The S gear function provides instant acceleration. In sport mode, the engine runs at higher RPMs, which can help remove carbon deposits. Many automatic cars are equipped with an S gear. In sport mode, the transmission can shift freely, but the shift timing is delayed, keeping the engine at high RPMs for longer periods. This allows the car to maintain low gear and high RPM for extended periods, providing greater torque output and acceleration but consuming more fuel. D gear: Drive means 'drive.' In a car, it is the forward gear. Shifting into this gear and pressing the accelerator allows the car to move. In this gear, the transmission automatically shifts based on speed and throttle conditions. At traffic lights, you can remain in D gear with your foot on the brake. If the wait is short, this is fine, but prolonged waiting can raise transmission fluid temperature and degrade the fluid. L gear: Low means 'low speed.' In a car, it is the low forward gear. When shifted into L gear, the transmission operates only in low gear (equivalent to manual gear 1) and does not automatically shift to other gears based on speed. This gear is typically used for climbing or descending steep slopes. In low gear, the drive wheels output greater torque, providing sufficient power to climb steep slopes. Prolonged braking can overheat the brake pads, reducing braking effectiveness, which is dangerous during long descents or steep slopes. Shifting into L gear allows the engine's low RPM to control the vehicle's movement, eliminating the need for constant braking. M gear: M gear stands for manual mode. After shifting into M gear, the driver can manually control the transmission's upshifts and downshifts. It can be used when climbing or descending slopes or when quick overtaking is needed.

[DiGenesis]

When I first started driving, I quickly understood the N gear—it's the neutral position of the transmission, meaning it's not connected to the engine, so the wheels have no power. In daily use, like stopping at a red light, I shift to N gear and apply the brake or handbrake to avoid the engine dragging unnecessarily. Especially during long red lights or traffic jams, using N gear reduces transmission wear and is much more flexible than shifting to P gear. Starting the car is also simple—just make sure it's in N or P gear before turning the key. However, there's a pitfall: never shift to N gear while the car is still moving, as it can easily damage the transmission. It's even more critical when towing—always tow in N gear, or the transmission will be ruined. I often advise new drivers to practice in an open area to get familiar with this, making driving smoother and safer.