Can an automatic transmission car coast in neutral?
3 Answers
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.
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.
Having driven for decades, I once tried coasting in neutral to save fuel when I was younger. As a result, the transmission burned out within just half a year, costing over 8,000 yuan to repair. It turns out that automatic transmissions rely on the engine-driven oil pump, so coasting interrupts oil flow, causing gears and bearings to grind dry and wear out faster. Not only did I fail to save money, but I also ended up giving my car a major surgery. Additionally, coasting at high speeds cuts off power, and there's a delay when shifting back into gear—once, I almost rear-ended another car. From experience, proper driving habits like gently pressing the accelerator are far more effective for fuel efficiency. I advise everyone not to take unnecessary detours.
