Can an automatic transmission car coast in neutral?
2 Answers
An automatic transmission car should not coast in neutral. Here is an introduction to automatic transmissions: 1. Introduction: An automatic transmission typically refers to a car's automatic gear-shifting mechanism. While driving, the control system of the automatic transmission automatically selects the appropriate gear based on the engine's speed and load, replacing the driver's subjective judgment of timing and gear-shifting operations. A typical automatic transmission car has six gear positions, from top to bottom: P, R, N, D, S, L. The most commonly used automatic gear positions are Park (P), Reverse (R), Neutral (N), and Drive (D). 2. Starting: (1) It is best to wait a few seconds after the engine starts before moving the gear lever to the correct position, such as shifting to D for forward motion or R for reverse. (2) Next, release the handbrake first, then smoothly release the foot brake to utilize the creep phenomenon, allowing the vehicle to start slowly. (3) During the process of releasing the handbrake when starting, the brake pedal (foot brake) should still be pressed to prevent the car's engine speed from increasing and causing a sudden start.
I've been driving automatic transmission cars for over twenty years. When I was younger, I thought coasting in neutral could save some fuel, but experience has taught me this habit is a bad idea. Automatic transmissions rely on the engine to drive the oil pump that lubricates internal components. In neutral, insufficient oil supply leads to dry friction between gears, and prolonged use accelerates wear, making a costly replacement of several thousand dollars not worth it. Safety is even more critical: in case of going downhill or needing sudden acceleration, shifting back to D gear causes delayed response, significantly increasing accident risks. I tried coasting a few times and felt the car was sluggish and hard to control, so I never did it again. I recommend regular checks of transmission fluid to maintain health and sticking to driving in D gear as designed for the safest option. Don't risk big trouble to save small money.
