Can Automatic Transmission Vehicles Coast in Neutral?
3 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.
I've seen quite a few cases of transmissions being scrapped due to coasting in N gear, and I think this habit is quite harmful. When an automatic transmission car is in D gear, the oil pressure is stable and all components are properly lubricated. However, once shifted to N gear, the oil pressure drops sharply, increasing metal friction and easily leading to premature wear of the gearbox. Over time, the failure rate becomes high, and replacing the transmission is an investment of tens of thousands of dollars, which really isn't worth it. Additionally, engine braking helps with deceleration, especially on long downhill slopes, reducing the use of brake discs. Coasting in N gear means giving up this protection and increasing the risk of rear-end collisions. Some people mistakenly believe it saves fuel, but the engine idling might actually consume more. In daily driving, I recommend keeping it in D gear with braking as the safest and most reliable option. Developing good habits is crucial.
