Can an Automatic Car Be Put in Neutral While Driving?
2 Answers
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).
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.
