Can an AT Transmission Coast in Neutral Gear?
2 Answers
An AT transmission cannot coast in neutral gear. The specific reasons are as follows: Reasons why coasting is not allowed: Because the automatic transmission requires lubrication, when the gear is placed in neutral while driving, the oil pump cannot supply oil normally for lubrication, which will cause the internal components of the transmission to overheat and lead to complete damage. Additionally, coasting in neutral at high speeds is very dangerous and does not save fuel. Incorrect practices for driving an automatic transmission car: It is wrong to keep an automatic transmission car in D gear during prolonged stops. When waiting for a signal or in traffic jams, some drivers often keep the gear lever in D gear while pressing the brake pedal. If the wait is very short, this is acceptable. However, if the stop is prolonged, it is best to shift into N gear and engage the handbrake. This is because keeping the brake pedal pressed for a long time will cause the transmission fluid temperature to rise, making the fluid prone to deterioration, especially when the air conditioning is on and the engine is idling at a high speed.
Experienced drivers of automatic transmission cars all know that you should never coast in neutral (N) gear! When the transmission spins at high speed without proper lubrication, the oil pump can't supply enough oil, causing the gears and bearings to grind directly and even smoke, leading to significant wear. The last time I did this twice with my car, the mechanic found metal powder inside upon disassembly. Most critically, without the engine's assistance, the braking effectiveness is significantly reduced, making it impossible to stop in an emergency. Safety comes first—when going downhill, just keep it in drive (D) gear; it also saves your brake pads. Transmission repairs are way too expensive—it's just not worth it.
