Can Automatic Cars Coast in Neutral?
2 Answers
Automatic transmission cars should not coast in neutral. When the car is in neutral coasting, the connection between the engine and the drive wheels is lost, and the car moves forward solely by its own inertia. Prohibited operations for automatic transmission cars: 1. Do not shift gears arbitrarily before the car comes to a complete stop. When switching between P, R, N, and D gears, wait until the car has completely stopped before operating. 2. Do not shift to P gear while waiting at a red light. For short waits, you can stay in D gear and apply the brake; for longer waits, shift to N gear and engage the handbrake, but never shift to P gear while waiting at a red light. When the gear is in P, the transmission is in a locked position to prevent the vehicle from moving. If the car is hit while in P gear, it can directly damage the transmission. 3. Do not tow an automatic transmission car arbitrarily.
As a frequent driver, I believe automatic transmission cars can indeed coast in neutral, but I don't recommend doing so mainly due to safety risks. When you shift to neutral, the engine and wheels disconnect, losing engine braking function—especially on downhill sections where the car may accelerate uncontrollably, drastically increasing brake load and potentially causing overheating failure. I remember a friend once tried coasting in neutral on a mountain descent, resulting in brake failure that nearly caused an accident. Modern vehicle designs aim to maintain gear engagement for quick response in emergencies. Coasting in neutral may also affect electrical system stability and increase loss-of-control probability. Overall, while technically feasible, the safety hazards are too prominent. I firmly recommend only briefly coasting a short distance in traffic congestion, then immediately returning to drive gear to ensure overall safety. Developing good driving habits is key to avoiding major accidents caused by minor risks.
