Can I turn on the air conditioning in neutral gear?
3 Answers
You can turn on the air conditioning in neutral gear. Here are the specific details about neutral gear in cars: 1. Definition: Neutral gear typically refers to the state where the vehicle's gearshift lever is not engaged in any forward or reverse gear, completely disconnecting the transmission from the drive wheels. In manual transmissions, neutral is in the middle position, while in automatic transmissions, it is marked with an 'N'. 2. Shifting method: To shift into neutral without pressing the clutch, release the accelerator and gently move the gearshift. Avoid using excessive force; usually, two fingers are sufficient to shift into neutral. Generally, you can shift into neutral at any time by releasing the accelerator, and pressing the brake allows you to shift into neutral.
I've been driving a taxi for twenty years, and in the summer, I often shift to neutral and turn on the AC while waiting for passengers. This way, the engine can power the compressor, so staying cool is definitely not an issue. However, when the car is in N gear, the transmission oil pump runs at a lower speed, which can lead to insufficient lubrication over time, especially in older cars that are more prone to wear. The most dangerous part is that shifting to neutral on a slope might cause the car to roll—I once nearly rear-ended the car in front of me on a small incline at the train station. My advice is that it's okay to do this occasionally on flat ground for up to half an hour, but if you're stuck in traffic for more than ten minutes, it's better to just turn off the engine and take a break outside.
Last time when I got my car repaired, the mechanic told me that running the AC in N gear does make the compressor work, but the entire vehicle relies solely on idle power supply. The blower and compressor all draw power from the battery, especially in older cars with smaller battery capacity - after running the AC for half an hour, even the dashboard lights dim. Low engine RPM operation also leads to carbon buildup, and the dripping water from the exhaust pipe is a sign of incomplete combustion. In my opinion, it's okay to run the AC temporarily while waiting, but it's best to keep the brake pedal depressed or engage the handbrake for safety.
