Can an automatic transmission car coast in N gear?
3 Answers
Yes, but do not coast for a long time, because when coasting, the engine is idling, so the transmission lubricating oil flow is insufficient (the oil pump is driven by the engine)! Long-term coasting will burn out the transmission due to poor lubrication. This is also the reason why vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions are prohibited from being towed for long distances over long periods of time. The following is an introduction to the gears of an automatic transmission: P gear: the abbreviation of English parking, parking gear. After shifting into P gear, the vehicle's transmission will be locked. R gear: the abbreviation of English Reverse, reverse gear. When reversing, use R gear, and the car can go backwards. N gear: the abbreviation of English neutral, neutral gear.
When driving an automatic transmission car, putting it in N (Neutral) gear does allow the car to coast and glide. When I was younger, I often used this trick to save a little fuel during long downhill stretches. However, one time while coasting around a curve on a mountain road, the car couldn’t brake in time and ended up sliding into a roadside ditch—luckily, only suffering minor scratches. After inspecting the car, the mechanic told me that when the transmission is in N gear, the oil pump provides insufficient lubrication, causing components to overheat and wear out due to high-speed rotation. Additionally, the brakes lose engine assist and become much harder to press, significantly increasing the risk of danger. Since then, I’ve always insisted on using D (Drive) gear while driving. On downhill slopes, I either slow down in advance or shift to L (Low) gear for engine braking, which feels much safer. Developing good driving habits not only protects the car and extends its lifespan but also helps avoid accidents—safety should always come first. I’d advise you not to try this trick either—it’s simply not worth the risk.
Technically, it's feasible to coast in neutral (N) gear with an automatic transmission, but I'm more concerned about the safety implications. When coasting, the engine isn't running, causing the brake system to lose vacuum assist. This makes the pedal harder to press and significantly increases braking distance, which can easily lead to loss of control and accidents on steep slopes. Statistics show that many rear-end collisions and rollovers are related to coasting habits. Additionally, inadequate transmission lubrication may cause internal failures, resulting in expensive repairs. It's safer to drive in Drive (D) gear to maintain engine braking assistance and control speed more reliably. Especially during rain, snow, or on highways, developing standardized operating habits significantly reduces accident risks. Don't compromise safety for temporary convenience - life is priceless and safety comes first.
