What's the matter with coasting in N gear?
4 Answers
N gear is neutral, and P gear is parking gear. Coasting in N gear is a normal phenomenon. The following is an introduction to the gears of an automatic transmission: 1. P gear: P gear is used when parking by moving the gear selector to the P position, which locks the output shaft with the transmission's parking brake device. Tighten the hand brake, and the car will not move. 2. R gear: R gear is the reverse gear, used when reversing. Never shift into reverse gear before the car has come to a complete stop, otherwise the transmission will wear out quickly. 3. D (drive) gear: D gear represents the forward gear, used for normal driving. By placing the gear selector in D gear, the car will automatically shift gears while driving. On long downhill slopes, since the D gear of an automatic transmission does not have engine braking, you should not keep it in D gear, otherwise the speed will increase, leading to potential safety hazards. 4. L gear: L gear represents the low gear, equivalent to 2nd gear, often used when going up or down hills. 5. S gear: S gear is the sport mode, available in some car models. When the car is in S gear, you can shift freely, but there will be a delay in shifting, so the engine will maintain high revs for a longer time, increasing fuel consumption. However, it also provides greater torque output, usually used when overtaking. 6. N gear: N represents neutral, used when starting the car or towing. If waiting at a traffic light for a long time, it's best to shift into N gear and tighten the hand brake. However, coasting in N gear (neutral) downhill is prohibited, as it not only doesn't save fuel but also damages the transmission. 7. M gear: Cars with manual-automatic transmission have an M gear, which is the manual mode. When switched to M gear, you can shift gears as needed by pushing "+" or "-" or using paddle shifters to upshift or downshift.
When the vehicle is in N gear, it may roll because the transmission does not lock the wheel power system in neutral, allowing the car to move freely. If parked on a slope, gravity can pull the vehicle, which is a normal phenomenon. I often encounter this myself, especially when parking on an incline—if not careful, the car may roll a few centimeters or more. However, if the vehicle rolls on flat ground, it may indicate that the parking brake (handbrake) is not fully engaged or is damaged, requiring immediate inspection. For safety, develop the habit of: first pressing the foot brake, then firmly pulling the handbrake, and finally shifting to N gear to prevent accidental rolling. Don’t underestimate this issue—it could lead to serious accidents in parking lots or by the roadside.
It's perfectly normal for the car to roll in neutral (N) gear. Neutral gear is designed to disconnect the wheels from the engine, allowing them to rotate freely. On a slope, it's common knowledge that the car will roll downhill due to gravity. I've had similar experiences driving manual transmissions myself—small movements during gear shifts are unavoidable. The key is to check if the handbrake is reliable. Otherwise, if the car rolls on flat ground, it indicates an issue with the braking system. It's advisable to test the handbrake's holding force or have it inspected by a mechanic. After all, safety is the top priority in daily driving—don't skip this step out of laziness.
Vehicle rolling in N gear occurs because the transmission allows free sliding in neutral. After the power system disconnects, external factors like slope inclination dominate movement. This is a design feature, as normal operation reduces gear wear. However, frequent rolling on flat roads may signal parking brake failure. It is recommended to ensure proper handbrake adjustment and reliable anti-slip device operation to avoid safety risks.
