What is the N gear in a car?
4 Answers
The N gear in a car refers to the neutral gear. It operates on the same principle as the neutral gear in a manual transmission and can be used during brief stops. The functions of the N gear are as follows: 1. The N gear exists to disconnect the engine from the transmission. 2. During daily driving, when you need to make a temporary stop, such as waiting for pedestrians to cross the road, the N gear should be used. It not only reduces car vibrations but also lowers fuel consumption. 3. If the stop is not temporary, it is better to turn off the engine. First, shift to neutral, apply the handbrake, and then shift to P gear. This helps prevent excessive wear on the transmission. Especially when parking on a slope, it can also avoid jerky gear shifts when starting the car next time.
A while ago, while driving an automatic transmission car and waiting at a red light, I specifically studied the N gear, which actually means neutral. When the gear lever is pushed to the N position, the power connection between the transmission and the engine is disconnected. At this time, the wheels can rotate freely but the car won't move forward. I often use this gear when waiting at a long red light or during temporary stops, which is much more comfortable than keeping the brake pedal pressed. However, it's crucial to note that you should never shift to N gear and coast on a slope. Last time I tried it on a slope in my neighborhood, the car slid backward and almost hit a flower bed. For red lights longer than 30 seconds, I usually shift to N gear and engage the handbrake. This not only reduces the burden on the transmission but also gives my right foot a break. Also, you must shift to N gear during an automatic car wash so that the conveyor belt can pull the vehicle.
Last week when teaching my cousin how to drive, I also mentioned this - the N gear means the transmission is in a state where power is cut off. When waiting at a red light for more than a minute in an automatic transmission car, I shift to N gear, feeling it protects the transmission better than keeping it in D gear while braking. Once at an automatic car wash, I saw the car in front didn't shift to neutral, causing the entire car wash system to jam - super awkward. Remember to always press the brake when shifting to N gear, otherwise the car might roll on slopes. I keep a water bottle in my car and once had it roll under the brake pedal during gear shifting - luckily I was in N gear so nothing bad happened. For short stops, using N gear plus handbrake is the safest - it saves fuel and doesn't harm the car.
After driving for ten years, I've gained a deep understanding of the Neutral (N) gear. The most practical scenarios for this neutral state are during long red lights and automatic car washes, as it directly cuts off power transmission to reduce gearbox wear. Once at a 4S shop, I saw a mechanic testing a vehicle by leaving it in N gear to let the wheels spin freely. When using it myself, I make sure to use it on flat roads; on slopes, it must be paired with the handbrake. For quick stops like buying a drink, I've developed the habit of shifting to N gear and engaging the handbrake, which is more flexible than using P gear. During car washes, when the conveyor belt pulls the car, N gear is essential to avoid damaging the gearbox's gear structure.
