I need this resolved once and for all: what is the purpose of neutral on an automatic?

I get all sorts of answers. The strangest, yet most convincing (given my minimal knowledge of cars), is to shift to "neutral" when you stop for a short amount of time (i.e. stop light) versus a lengthy period, in which you would normally shift to "park." Although you'll be pressing the brakes, I was told neutral places less stress on the vehicle.

I have a 2003 g35 sedan, and I tried it a few times, but as many of you may know, the shifting is firm with this model vehicle, and it feels obtrusive.

Like I said, given my limited knowledge and solely going off logic, it SOUNDS reasonable. Is ANY of this true?

Thanks!

 

Uh wut? At a light, I'm in D or MM mode. Either way it's in 1st but below the stall rpm.

 

I would say for automatics neutral was installed in case you would have to either push your car or to have it towed.

 

basically neutral is there so that you can disconnect the wheels from the engine, for whatever purpose.

 

 

I wish we had neutral in MM mode, I would be sooo happy

 

You can restart a stalled engine while the vehicle is moving

 

In an automatic???

 

LOL make a video and post it on AUTO. It will be an epic video.

 

According to the owners manual (2008 G35) 5-12 Starting and driving

N (Neutral)
Neither forward nor reverse gear is engaged.
The engine can be started in this position. You
may shift to the N (Neutral) position and restart
a stalled engine while the vehicle is moving.

 

its there for all cars because
a-incase you run out of gas or break down, and need to push it

b-incase it gets towed

c-when it is in the shop they leave the car in neutral to be able to roll it to hoist it, it stays in neutral until test drive repairs

but if your a RICER then neutral is for you to stop at a stop light and start revving without moving

 

well say if your engine stalls whjile driving, you cant throw it into P to start while moving, you have to throw it in N so you can turn the engine while moving

 

Vid for proof (of it actually happening).

This would only work in the rare instance that the car was in "D", stalls, then you shift to "N" while still rolling, then (I'm assuming) turn the ignition?

You can't get the car out of park unless it's already started, so this has next to no use.

 

Well if your car was always in tip top shape neutral wouldnt be necessary but thats not always the case. If you're going 65mph on the freeway only to have your engine stall I would much rather put it in neutral, start the car and continue moving rather than pull off to the side with no power, start the car on the shoulder and then attempt to merge into moving traffic. While its in neutral you also have less rolling resistance and have more time to figure out whats wrong before coming to a halt.

 

neutral is for automatic carwash