Why is Neutral Gear Represented as N?
2 Answers
N gear refers to the state where the vehicle's gearshift lever is not engaged in any forward or reverse gear, completely disconnecting the transmission from the engine, which is known as neutral gear. Below is relevant information about N gear: 1. Introduction: N gear is one of the three standard gears in automatic transmission vehicles, located between R (Reverse) and D (Drive) on the gearshift console. Its essence is the neutral position in the transmission, designed to cut off power transmission between the input and output shafts inside the transmission. 2. Usage: This gear can be engaged when waiting at traffic lights or during stationary parking for more than 30 seconds, with the purpose of disconnecting power transmission between the input and output shafts inside the transmission. Of course, when on an incline, it's necessary to apply the brake or engage the electronic parking brake to prevent the vehicle from rolling.
When I was young and learning to shift gears for the first time, my instructor told me that the N gear stands for the word Neutral, meaning neutral or the abbreviation for neutral gear, which is universally used in the automotive industry worldwide. Think about it, the letters P, R, N, D on the gear shift lever are all English abbreviations, facilitating international communication and avoiding errors when different regions use different symbols. For example, P stands for Parking gear, R for Reverse gear, D for Drive gear, and N for Neutral gear placed in the middle position, where the power is interrupted but the engine can still run. This is to reduce engine load and protect the transmission when stopping at a red light or towing. Automobile designers may have chosen N over other letters because it is concise and easy to remember, historically inherited from manual transmissions. Understanding these makes driving more reassuring, as incorrect gear identification could lead to accidental rolling or starting issues.
