Can an Automatic Car Be Put in Neutral While Driving?

[MacKira]

An automatic car should not be put in neutral while driving for the following reasons: 1. When idling, the engine's oil pressure output is low, resulting in insufficient lubrication supply, which can easily lead to poor lubrication and severe wear of components such as the hydraulic directional valve and planetary gears. 2. Excessive heat generation can cause oil carbonization, forming sludge that blocks oil passages, leading to insufficient oil supply and poor lubrication after normal operation. An automatic transmission does not require the driver to manually shift gears; the vehicle automatically selects the appropriate gear based on driving speed and traffic conditions. The gear positions are as follows: 1. P (Park); 2. R (Reverse); 3. N (Neutral); 4. D (Drive); 5. S (Sport Mode); 6. L (Low Gear).

[VanBentley]

As an automotive technology enthusiast, I always want to share some internal mechanisms. Automatic transmission vehicles cannot shift to neutral while driving because the transmission design doesn't allow it. When you're driving, the oil pump only operates in drive gears to provide lubrication; shifting to neutral causes oil pressure to drop, leading to dry grinding of gears and potential overheating damage. I have a friend who tried coasting downhill in neutral, and it resulted in a ruined transmission that cost a fortune to repair. Don't underestimate this—it also affects fuel efficiency and safety. Losing engine braking makes it harder to control speed, especially on mountain roads. Remember, the correct operation is always to stay in Drive (D) mode, using Neutral (N) only when parked or towing. Developing good habits can extend your vehicle's lifespan.

[OAriel]

When it comes to driving safety, I believe coasting in neutral is too risky. Shifting to N gear while driving disconnects the powertrain and eliminates engine braking, significantly increasing the risk of rear-end collisions or loss of control during emergency braking or long descents. I once made the mistake of doing this in bad weather and nearly crashed – since then, I only use N gear for towing situations. Additionally, while modern cars have automatic protection systems, frequent attempts may damage the transmission, and repairs can be quite costly. Developing the habit of staying in D gear not only protects your vehicle but also reduces accidents. If fuel efficiency is a concern, simply selecting eco mode suffices.

[SanDaisy]

Having driven automatic transmission cars for many years, I must advise against shifting into neutral while driving. I once tried it to save fuel, but it actually increased consumption and made the engine feel rough—turns out it caused poor fuel flow leading to incomplete combustion. More importantly, insufficient transmission lubrication could lead to premature wear. For daily driving, staying in D gear is safest, with N gear reserved only for parking with the handbrake. Developing this habit makes for worry-free and safe driving.

[MacChase]

As someone who prioritizes maintenance, I want to emphasize that driving in neutral can harm your vehicle. Gear shifting operations may cause gear jamming, accelerate wear and tear, and shorten lifespan. A single transmission repair can easily cost several thousand yuan. I've also noticed that unnecessary gear switching increases fuel consumption and negatively impacts environmental protection. The correct approach is to always drive in D gear, only using N gear when towing or washing the car. This method is both economical and reliable.

[IsaacAnn]

I think everyone should understand that shifting to neutral while driving an automatic transmission vehicle is prohibited. Switching to N gear interrupts the power transmission chain, causing lubrication issues and safety hazards. The only exception is in special circumstances, such as when towing requires neutral gear to avoid wear. Normally, remember to drive in D gear to ensure smooth and safe operation.