Will an automatic car roll when in neutral gear?

[DiParker]

You need to press the brake, otherwise the car will roll. Here are the relevant details: Neutral gear: Neutral gear usually refers to the state where the gear lever of a motor vehicle is not engaged in any forward or reverse gear, and the transmission is completely separated from the drive wheels. The neutral gear for manual transmissions is in the middle position, while for automatic transmissions, it is marked with an "N". Note: Coasting in neutral has long been considered a fuel-saving practice, especially among most truck drivers who often turn off the engine and coast in neutral to save fuel. However, for cars with fuel-injected engines, coasting in neutral should be used with caution, and turning off the engine while coasting in neutral is not recommended.

[MacPresley]

I must emphasize that an automatic transmission car will roll when in Neutral (N) gear. This is because the N gear puts the transmission in a neutral state, completely disconnecting it from the engine, allowing the wheels to rotate freely without engine braking force. If you park on a slope, gravity will cause the car to roll slowly or quickly downhill, which poses significant risks. I've had several instances where I forgot to shift gears when temporarily parked on a small incline, and the car rolled quite a distance, nearly hitting roadside barriers. Even on flat roads, rolling is less common but still not guaranteed, as uneven surfaces or external forces can cause movement. Therefore, I recommend using Park (P) gear or engaging the handbrake firmly to prevent rolling when parked. The N gear is more suitable for special situations like towing or car washing—don't use it as a parking solution. Develop good habits by checking every time you park—safe driving is what truly matters.

[Lisa]

Many novice car owners might assume that putting the car in Neutral (N) gear means it won't move, but the reality is it can still roll. In N gear, the transmission disengages from the engine, leaving the wheels uncontrolled—especially on slopes where the car can slide downhill. I have a friend who, in a supermarket parking lot on a slight incline, left the car in N gear without engaging the handbrake, and it rolled into a wall. This is just as dangerous as leaving a manual transmission in neutral, so don’t take it lightly. On flat ground, the car might stay still, but safety comes first. For short stops like at traffic lights, using Drive (D) gear or N gear with the foot brake is sufficient. For prolonged parking, always use Park (P) gear and the handbrake. Automatic transmissions are designed with P gear specifically to lock the wheels and prevent rolling. Make it a habit—don’t let a small oversight turn into a big problem. Road safety hinges on attention to detail, so never cut corners for convenience.

[Rex]

Putting the car in N (Neutral) gear can definitely cause it to roll, as the transmission is disconnected in neutral, allowing the wheels to turn freely. On a slope, gravity will pull the car downward. The risk is highest when parked on an incline, while it rarely happens on flat ground, but there are many uncertain factors, such as strong winds or slippery road surfaces. I recommend directly shifting to P (Park) gear or using the foot brake when parking, rather than relying on N gear. N gear should be used during maintenance, not in daily situations, to prevent accidents.