What is the N gear position?
2 Answers
N stands for Neutral, which operates on the same principle as the neutral gear in a manual transmission. This gear is used during brief stops. The functions of the N gear are as follows: The N gear exists to disconnect the engine from the transmission. During daily driving, the N gear should be used when making temporary stops or waiting for pedestrians to cross. It not only reduces vehicle vibration but also lowers fuel consumption. If the stop is not temporary, the driver should turn off the engine, shift into neutral first, engage the parking brake, and then shift into P (Park) gear. This prevents excessive wear on the transmission, especially when parking on a slope, and avoids gear engagement jolts when starting the vehicle next time.
I often use the N gear when driving an automatic transmission car. This is the neutral position. When engaged, the engine is still running, but the power is not transmitted to the wheels, so the car stays stationary without stalling. It's very convenient for short stops like waiting at a red light, as it saves much more fuel than keeping the car in D gear with the brakes pressed, because it reduces the burden on the transmission. However, I must remind you not to use only the N gear on slopes, as it may cause the car to roll, which is very dangerous. Always shift to P gear or engage the handbrake when parked. Starting the engine in N gear is also safer, preventing the car from suddenly moving forward. I remember using N gear in a car wash once, and the car could be easily pushed. Overall, flexible use of the N gear can make daily driving easier, but don’t misuse it and cause accidents—safety always comes first.