P vs N + handbrake in auto

movilogo

What is the difference between these two modes in automatic cars?

• [P] mode
• [N] mode with hand brake applied

mikey72

P puts a metal pin into the gearbox, and actually locks the box up.
N just disengages the box.
(in a real automatic)

Hintza

I never use the handrake in an auto. Except if stopped in traffic for any length of time and I don't want to dazzle the guy behind.

movilogo

What is best method while waiting in traffic?

mikey72

If anyone hits the back of you, even a low speed impact will shear the pin in park. All the automatics I've had I just kept it in drive, then released the foot brake to let it creep forward. That's probably the best part of the system, no handbrake, no clutch, no acccelerator, just press the brake to stop, let it up to creep forward.

ManAtHome

I keep it in Drive and use the handbrake at traffic lights, Park when switching off, hardly ever use Neutral (couple of times waiting to pick up at the airport and it was b****** cold so needed the heater on).

iolanthe07

I always go into N at traffic lights (P on a steep hill) and put the handbrake on. This stops the brake lights dazzling the driver behind. It also saves wear on the transmission.

LandyAndy

I've always taken my lead from the words.

P=Park so use it when you park.

N=Neutral so use it when you would use neutral in a manual car. So, at lights if you would keep a manual in gear and your foot on the clutch (short wait) keep the auto in Drive and your foot on the brake. If you would knock a manual into neutral and apply the handbrake (long wait) do the same in an auto.

vikingaero

iolanthe07 wrote: »

I always go into N at traffic lights (P on a steep hill) and put the handbrake on. This stops the brake lights dazzling the driver behind. It also saves wear on the transmission.

On most autos you can flick from D to N and vice versa easily without pushing in the gear lever selector. A simple flick from D to N and using the handbrake will save wear on your engine and gearbox. I'm not talking about doing it all the time at every traffic light or queue, just sometimes where the wait is longer than normal.

Inactive

LandyAndy wrote: »

I've always taken my lead from the words.

P=Park so use it when you park.

N=Neutral so use it when you would use neutral in a manual car. So, at lights if you would keep a manual in gear and your foot on the clutch (short wait) keep the auto in Drive and your foot on the brake. If you would knock a manual into neutral and apply the handbrake (long wait) do the same in an auto.

Correct, but far too obvious.;)

When you select PARK on a normal Auto, you have to go past reverse which will engage your reversing lights causing concern to following drivers.

As you say, Park should be used for parking.

daveyjp

In most modern autos I've driven you can't take the key out until the gearbox is in 'P'. Lots of warning noises and flashing lights if you try to!