Is coasting in neutral gear harmful to the transmission?
2 Answers
N (neutral) gear coasting causes significant damage to the transmission. The structure of an automatic transmission differs from that of a manual transmission, and coasting in neutral can lead to rapid overheating of the transmission fluid, harming the gearbox. Other impacts of N gear coasting: Since automatic transmission vehicles typically use pressure lubrication—where an oil pump delivers oil to areas requiring lubrication—coasting in neutral can result in insufficient oil pressure. This is particularly problematic at high speeds, which is when coasting is most likely to be utilized. In such cases, some transmission components may not receive adequate lubrication, potentially leading to severe damage. Even at lower speeds, components still require sufficient lubrication, so coasting should be avoided in automatic transmissions. Using N gear for temporary stops: N gear is neutral, and temporary stops should be made using N gear + handbrake. The downside of using P (park) gear is that it requires passing through R (reverse) gear, which can cause unnecessary stress on the transmission and vehicle. Shifting to P gear at every traffic light is equivalent to reversing twice unnecessarily.
I've been driving for over 20 years, and coasting in neutral with an automatic transmission is honestly not recommended—it does cause significant damage. Automatic transmissions are designed to connect the engine and wheels. When you shift to N and coast, the oil pump's speed drops, preventing lubricant from flowing as smoothly as it does during normal driving. Over time, this can wear down gears and bearings, especially during long descents or at high speeds, increasing the risk of overheating or component failure. I remember a friend who coasted for a long time in his automatic car, only to end up with transmission issues that cost thousands to fix. In reality, keeping it in D with slight throttle allows the engine to assist with braking, making it safer and more reliable. My advice to automatic car owners: don’t cut corners for fuel savings or convenience. Stick to regular maintenance at authorized service centers to extend your transmission’s lifespan.
