Can Automatic Transmission Vehicles Coast in Neutral?
2 Answers
Automatic transmission vehicles should not coast in neutral. Here are specific fuel-saving methods for driving automatic transmission cars: 1. Utilize coasting: This does not refer to coasting in neutral. When driving an automatic transmission vehicle, do not shift to "N" for coasting. Instead, take advantage of the vehicle's momentum by releasing the accelerator pedal to let the car coast, which can save some fuel. 2. Gentle starts: Since the engine is cold, and components like the water temperature are not yet at normal operating conditions, fuel consumption will be higher. After starting the car, let it warm up for about a minute. 3. Anticipate traffic lights: If you cannot pass through, release the accelerator earlier to control your speed and avoid sudden braking, which can save more than 30% of fuel.
I've driven automatic transmission cars for many years, and generally don't recommend coasting in N (Neutral) gear. Automatic transmissions are designed differently—when shifted into N, the engine power is disconnected, but the internal oil pump still relies on engine speed to supply lubrication. During coasting, the low RPM leads to insufficient oil pressure, which can cause part wear, overheating, or even transmission damage. Over time, the repair costs can be substantial, far outweighing any minor fuel savings. Worse yet, there's a safety risk: coasting in N removes engine braking assistance, significantly increasing braking distance in emergencies, which is extremely dangerous. Modern automatics actually have smart programming—when you lift off the accelerator, they automatically enter a coasting mode to optimize fuel usage. Manually shifting to N is unnecessary and counterproductive. I remember a friend who tried this once and ended up with a burnt-out transmission, costing over 4,000 for repairs—what a nightmare. Bottom line: prioritize safety when driving; skip these risky shortcuts.
