Can an automatic transmission car coast in neutral?

[PaulDella]

Automatic transmission cars should not coast in neutral. Here are the specific explanations: Hazards of coasting in neutral to the car: Coasting in neutral is harmful to the automatic transmission because the transmission requires lubrication. When the gear is placed in N (neutral) while driving, the oil pump cannot supply oil normally for lubrication, which will cause the internal components of the transmission to heat up and result in damage. Therefore, coasting in neutral is very harmful to the automatic transmission. Consequences of coasting in neutral: Coasting in neutral does not necessarily save fuel; instead, it may consume more fuel. It can also cause the vehicle to skid, making it difficult to brake effectively, which may lead to rear-end collisions. Possible damage to the automatic transmission when coasting in neutral: When coasting in neutral, due to the difference between the vehicle's speed and the engine's RPM, friction increases and lubrication effectiveness decreases. This can also accelerate the wear of the internal friction plates in the automatic transmission. Coasting in neutral is not conducive to engine braking and may result in rough gear shifting.

[AdelineFitz]

I used to be confused about whether automatic transmission cars could coast in neutral. Hearing some experienced drivers say it saves fuel, I tried it once, but ended up with strange noises from the transmission while going downhill. The repair shop told me that automatic transmissions are designed differently, with the lubrication system relying entirely on the engine-driven oil pump. When coasting, the low RPM results in insufficient oil pressure, which can lead to dry friction and overheating of internal gears. Doing this long-term not only accelerates wear but also wastes fuel. More importantly, losing engine braking can cause delayed response in emergencies, posing safety risks. Now I've learned my lesson and stick to smooth coasting in D gear. Although it costs a bit more in fuel, it's more worry-free in the long run. Never risk trying shortcuts for temporary convenience.