Can Automatic Transmission Cars Be Put in Neutral Gear?

[ValeriaDella]

Automatic transmission cars should not be put in neutral gear. The following are the hazards of shifting to neutral: 1. Damage to the Transmission: Automatic transmission cars are typically designed with computer-controlled gear shifting or automatic fuel supply/cutoff systems, unlike manual transmission vehicles. Coasting in neutral does not achieve fuel savings. Moreover, the design of automatic transmissions differs from manual transmissions, and prolonged coasting in neutral can damage the transmission. 2. Damage to Friction Plates: When coasting in neutral (N gear), the difference between the vehicle's speed and the engine's RPM can lead to insufficient oil pressure in the hydraulic lines of the automatic transmission. This not only increases friction and reduces lubrication effectiveness but also damages the friction plates inside the automatic transmission.

[OMarley]

I've been driving for twenty years, and putting an automatic transmission in neutral is all too common. When waiting at a red light for a long time, I shift to N and pull the handbrake to avoid foot numbness from keeping the brake pedal pressed. But honestly, never coast in neutral while driving, especially downhill. The automatic transmission's oil pump speed drops, leading to insufficient lubrication, and the gears could grind dry and burn out—repairing a transmission once costs enough for two years' worth of fuel. Plus, coasting in neutral doesn't save fuel at all; modern fuel-injected cars actually cut off fuel automatically when coasting in gear. The only times I'd recommend using neutral are when towing or on a car wash conveyor belt. Otherwise, stick with D for safe driving.

[Rick]

From the perspective of transmission structure, automatic transmissions are indeed designed with a neutral gear. However, this gear is primarily intended for special scenarios, such as towing, to avoid damaging the drivetrain. In daily driving, I've noticed many car owners mistakenly believe that coasting in neutral saves fuel. In reality, modern fuel injection systems automatically cut off fuel supply when coasting in gear. On the contrary, maintaining idle fuel injection in neutral consumes more fuel. Another critical point: some vehicles' electronic power steering systems are prone to malfunction when coasting in neutral, causing the steering wheel to suddenly become heavier, which is extremely dangerous. Therefore, unless waiting at a long red light, I avoid shifting to neutral.

[DelCaleb]

As a long-distance driver, I pay special attention to transmission maintenance. The biggest fear when putting an automatic transmission in neutral is insufficient lubrication, as the reduced oil pump speed leads to inadequate cooling of the internal planetary gear set. Once, my friend coasted downhill in neutral, and by the time he reached the bottom, the transmission was smoking. Also, a reminder for modification enthusiasts: after installing cruise control, never coast in neutral—the computer can't control gear shifts, which could cause accidents. Remember, the most scientific way to decelerate in an automatic car is to coast in gear while applying the brakes; it's the safest and most worry-free method.

[LaLilliana]

New drivers often ask me: Should I shift to P or N when parking an automatic transmission car? I think it depends on the scenario. At traffic lights: Shift to N and engage the handbrake if waiting over 30 seconds; For automatic car washes: Must use N; When towing: Must be in N. But never shift to neutral while driving! Not only does it raise transmission oil temperature, but losing engine braking on steep descents is particularly dangerous. I once witnessed an accident in mountainous areas caused by brake failure during neutral coasting. Develop good driving habits: use D when driving, P when parking, and N only for specific short-term situations.

[OGabriela]

The biggest issue with shifting an automatic transmission into neutral is that after the drivetrain disengages, all braking pressure is transferred to the brake system. Having driven various automatic models, I've observed that brake pad temperatures during continuous downhill coasting in neutral can be 50°C higher than when in gear, increasing the risk of heat fade. Additional cautions: the start-stop system may unexpectedly ignite the engine when in neutral, giving you a scare; while hybrid vehicles will also disable energy regeneration in neutral. The only recommended daily use case for neutral is on car wash conveyor belts—remember to keep your foot on the brake to prevent rolling. In summary, automatic transmission owners shouldn't treat neutral as a fuel-saving hack; it's strictly an emergency function.