Most people have driven their automatic transmission cars for years but have not used the neutral position for once.

They would just shift through but wouldn’t necessarily engage it. Come to think of it, when can you use that neutral (N) position in your car?

Before we proceed, let’s understand what shifting the gear lever to Neutral position will do. Shifting to the neutral position in your automatic transmission will cut off the connection between the engine and the wheels of your car. Hence, power can’t be transmitted to the wheels. When you depress the throttle, the engine will just rev but there won’t be any transmission to the wheels.

When can using the neutral position come handy?

Below are  the 4 situations that can arise to using the neutral position of your automatic transmission car.

1. When the throttle is stuck:

It’s a very scary experience if your throttle should get stuck. You may not be able to handle the rush of adrenaline down your spine. Pushing the brake might not just be enough. Switching off the engine can be very dangerous too as the steering may get locked. Brakes will stiffen as well. The safe bet is to move the gear to Neutral and use the brake to park safely.

2. Safe parking when brake fails:

Instead of hard parking your vehicle, you can use the neutral position until you can steer your car to a safer path. This is very applicable when the road is free for you to do such.  Don’t respond to brake failure by killing your engine. But if you must kill the engine to stay alive and safe; kill the goddamn engine and be alive.

3. When towing your car:

Unless there is a tow dolly, using the neutral position is the safest way to reduce engine and transmission damage to the barest minimum.

4. Pushing your broken down car off the road:

Many have experienced car breakdown at the middle of a busy road. When you find yourself in such a situation, it’s best you push the car off the road to somewhere safe for you and your car. You can only push it off using the neutral position.