Can an automatic transmission car be put in neutral?
3 Answers
An automatic transmission car should not be put in neutral as it can cause harm to the vehicle. Automatic transmission means the driver does not need to manually shift gears; the vehicle will automatically select the appropriate gear based on driving speed and traffic conditions. The gears of an automatic transmission are: 1. P for Park; 2. R for Reverse; 3. N for Neutral; 4. D for Drive; 5. S for Sport mode (high-speed engine braking); 6. L for Low gear (low-speed engine braking). The steps to start an automatic transmission car are: 1. Press the start button or turn the key to start the vehicle; 2. Press the brake pedal with your right foot and release the handbrake; 3. Shift the gear from P to D; 4. After shifting to D, slowly release the brake pedal with your right foot.
When I first started driving an automatic car, I was curious about this question. Of course, you can put it in neutral, but the key is knowing when to use it. Normally, never shift to neutral to save fuel while coasting, because automatic transmissions rely on engine power for lubrication. Once you shift to neutral, the gear oil pump stops working, and insufficient lubrication can cause internal transmission parts to overheat and wear out. In severe cases, it can even burn out the transmission. I remember a friend once tried coasting in neutral on the highway, and the transmission just gave out, costing thousands to repair. The correct approach is to shift to neutral when washing the car or during towing, as this protects the drivetrain. There's no need to shift to neutral for short stops like at red lights—modern cars are designed for this, so just step on the brake. It's both safer and more convenient.
As someone who has worked with cars for a long time, I believe this issue needs to be explained from the perspective of mechanical principles. Automatic transmission vehicles are designed with an N (neutral) gear for specific scenarios, such as when towing or going through a car wash, where putting the car in neutral prevents the rear wheels from driving the engine and damaging the transmission. However, coasting in neutral while driving is a major no-no—the hydraulic system in the transmission relies on the engine running to circulate oil. Once the engine is disconnected, the lubrication oil pressure drops, causing the gears to rub dry, which accelerates wear. This not only increases maintenance costs but can also lead to accidents. I've developed the habit of only using neutral briefly when necessary and immediately shifting back to D (drive) afterward. In everyday driving, keeping the car in D is simpler and better for the vehicle's longevity.
