Can Automatic Transmission Cars Be Pushed in Neutral?
2 Answers
Automatic transmission cars should not be pushed in neutral. When the car is coasting in neutral, the connection between the engine and the driving wheels is lost, and the car moves forward solely by inertia. Prohibited operations for automatic transmission cars: 1. Do not shift gears randomly before the car comes to a complete stop. When switching between P, R, N, and D gears, ensure the car is fully stopped before operating. 2. Do not shift to P gear while waiting at a red light. For short stops, keep the car in D gear and apply the brakes. For longer stops, shift to N gear and engage the handbrake, but never shift to P gear. When in P gear, the transmission is locked, preventing the car 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 long-time driver, I believe it's best not to push an automatic transmission car in neutral. The transmission requires the engine to run to drive the oil pump and lubricate internal components. If the car is pushed in neutral, the oil pump won't operate, preventing oil circulation, which can cause dry friction between gears and bearings, leading to damage. Short-distance, low-speed pushing is acceptable, such as moving the car a small distance in your garage, but don't exceed a few dozen meters. Long-distance or high-speed pushing can easily overheat and damage the transmission, potentially costing thousands to repair. Owner's manuals typically prohibit this practice. For safety, it's better to use a tow truck or call for assistance. Remember, moving the wheels after the engine is off isn't a big issue, but the consequences of insufficient lubrication are severe.
