Does coasting in neutral affect the transmission of an automatic car?
1 Answers
Coasting in neutral does affect the transmission of an automatic car. When shifted into neutral, the transmission stops supplying oil, but the transmission components continue to move. Without proper lubrication, this accelerates wear on the transmission, which is why coasting in neutral is prohibited in automatic vehicles. Coasting in neutral refers to the driving technique where the driver shifts the gear lever to the neutral position while the vehicle is in motion, disengaging the clutch between the engine and the drive wheels to allow the vehicle to move by inertia. If coasting in neutral, the engine runs at idle speed, which consumes more fuel. Additionally, since automatic vehicles rely on oil pressure for lubrication, coasting in neutral fails to build up sufficient oil pressure, making the transmission prone to overheating and damage.