Glossary / General

neutral

9 Episode Mentions

Too Afraid to Ask

Neutral is when the car isn’t connected to the wheels through the transmission. It can help you stop safely if something goes wrong.

Technical Definition

Neutral is the gear selection where the engine is not driving the wheels. The host uses it as an immediate response after a clutch-related failure to reduce unintended movement while braking.

Hear It Discussed

"Do you put it into neutral? And then I think now that's a terrible idea because the revs are just going to go sky high and that's not going to end well."
The best (and worst) road trips ever #312 The Intercooler 32:49

"And as soon as you connected the engine to the drive axle, you're going. There is no neutral. The transmission allows the car to sit there..."
For the novice....a simple explanation of what makes your car go? My Car Guru Podcast 09:25

"Almost put the TJ through 16 foot bay door. I didn't expect that to happen and then I had to grab the shifter and pull in neutral, jam my foot on the brakes."
"Why Not? The Simple Decision That Saves You Thousands on Your Car" Car Connection Workshop 44:55