Can an automatic transmission car shift to neutral while driving?
2 Answers
An automatic transmission car should not shift to neutral while driving for the following reasons: 1. Shifting to neutral while driving an automatic car reduces the vehicle's braking force, increasing the risk of rear-end collisions. When the car is coasting in neutral, the connection between the engine and the drive wheels is lost, and the car moves forward solely by inertia. In emergency braking situations, all braking force must come from the brakes alone. However, when coasting in gear, the engine provides some braking effect, which, combined with the brakes, shortens the stopping distance. Additionally, coasting in neutral can cause the engine to stall, leading to failure of the brake booster and reduced braking performance. 2. Shifting to neutral does not save fuel and can sometimes even increase fuel consumption. If you choose to coast in neutral, the car's computer will put the engine into idle mode, where it continues to inject fuel, thereby increasing fuel consumption.
After driving for so many years, I've seen plenty of novice drivers making the mistake of shifting into neutral while moving. Putting an automatic transmission car into N gear while driving is practically playing with your life: the car immediately loses engine braking, especially on downhill slopes, where it can roll away so fast you can't control it. I almost had an accident because of this once, but luckily managed to brake in time. The transmission also suffers—shifting at high speeds can cause overheating and damage, and repairs aren't cheap. Moreover, shifting back to D from N can create a harsh impact, wearing out parts and shortening their lifespan. I recommend only using N gear when parked, like during towing or moving the car—otherwise, don’t mess with it. Safety first. It’s always better to read the manual and understand your car’s specifics. Remember, driving is a delicate task—don’t cut corners and invite trouble.
