What letter represents neutral in an automatic transmission?
2 Answers
Automatic transmission neutral is represented by the letter N. More information about the gears is as follows: P: Parking gear, starting gear. The wheels are mechanically locked to prevent rolling. R: Reverse gear, used when reversing. N: Neutral gear, for temporary parking. D: Drive gear, forward gear. The transmission automatically shifts between gears 1-5 based on speed and throttle conditions. S: Sport mode. Engaging this gear allows free gear shifting but increases fuel consumption. L: Low gear. The transmission remains in 1st gear without shifting up, providing some braking function when going downhill, suitable for climbing slopes or slippery roads.
When I first started driving an automatic car, I was particularly curious about the letters on the gear shift. Neutral is "N," which stands for Neutral, meaning the transmission is in a neutral state with no gears engaged to transmit power. Before starting the engine, you must be in P (Park) or N, otherwise the car may not move; if you shift to N while driving, the car will coast, and the engine will idle. This is often used when washing the car to allow the wheels to rotate freely or when towing to avoid damaging the transmission. Some people say shifting to N at red lights saves fuel, but in my personal experience, the effect is minimal. Modern car designs recommend using D or P for short stops. R is Reverse, and D is Drive—these letters are standardized, but if you're unsure, check the dashboard or user manual. Safety tip: Don't coast in N at high speeds—it increases fuel consumption and is dangerous; stopping in N on a slope may cause the car to roll, so using P is more reliable. Overall, "N" is the universal symbol for Neutral, and understanding it can enhance driving safety and convenience.
