Does shifting into neutral (N) while driving an automatic car and then turning off the engine have any impact?
3 Answers
Turning off an automatic car in neutral (N) gear does not cause any harm to the vehicle. On the contrary, when the engine is turned off in N gear, the transmission has already stopped rotating. Therefore, shifting from N to P (park) will not create any impact on the vehicle, even if it passes through R (reverse) gear. Under normal circumstances, even if the engine is running, shifting from N to P will not cause any shock to the transmission. Additional information about automatic transmissions is as follows: 1. Introduction: An automatic transmission, as the name suggests, eliminates the need for the driver to manually shift gears. The vehicle automatically selects the appropriate gear based on driving speed and traffic conditions. Typically, automatic cars have six gear positions, arranged from top to bottom as: P (Park), R (Reverse), N (Neutral), D (Drive), S (Sport), and L (Low). 2. Principle: An automatic transmission uses planetary gear mechanisms to shift gears. It automatically adjusts the gear ratio based on throttle pedal input and vehicle speed, allowing the driver to control speed solely by operating the accelerator pedal.
Oh, this situation needs to be taken seriously. I'm a veteran driver with over a decade of experience driving automatic transmission cars. Shifting to neutral (N) while driving and having the engine stall does have consequences. The main issue is that with the engine off, power steering and brake assist are lost, making the steering wheel heavier and braking more strenuous—this is especially dangerous at high speeds or during sharp turns, potentially leading to accidents. Additionally, during engine stall, the automatic transmission may experience insufficient lubrication, particularly if driven this way for extended periods, accelerating wear on components like gears, which could require major repairs if severely damaged. Generally, vehicles aren’t designed for this operation, so it’s best to pull over immediately and check for engine faults or fuel system issues. Develop good habits—avoid shifting gears unnecessarily while driving.
I usually enjoy studying the technical aspects of cars. Shifting into neutral (N) while driving an automatic transmission and the engine stalling is definitely not good. Firstly, it affects safety—the engine stopping leads to loss of brake boost, making it harder to control the car. Mechanically, if the transmission stalls in neutral, the oil pump stops working, leaving components without proper lubrication, which can easily cause friction plates or gears to burn out, resulting in expensive repairs. Additionally, some electronic systems might malfunction, such as the anti-theft lock activating and preventing the engine from starting. It's recommended to regularly check fluids and electrical connections to avoid accidental mishandling.
