Is It Good to Coast in Neutral with an Automatic Transmission?
3 Answers
Automatic transmission cars should not coast in neutral. Here are the specific explanations: Hazards of coasting in neutral to the car: Coasting in neutral is harmful to the automatic transmission because the transmission requires lubrication. When the gear is placed in N (neutral) while driving, the oil pump cannot supply oil normally for lubrication, causing the internal components of the transmission to overheat and resulting in damage. Therefore, coasting in neutral is very harmful to the automatic transmission. Consequences of coasting in neutral: Coasting in neutral does not necessarily save fuel; instead, it may consume more fuel. It can also lead to vehicle skidding, making it difficult to brake effectively, which may result in rear-end collisions. Potential damage to the automatic transmission when coasting in neutral: When coasting in neutral, the difference between the vehicle's speed and the engine's RPM increases friction, reduces lubrication effectiveness, and accelerates the wear of the internal friction plates in the automatic transmission. Coasting in neutral is also detrimental to engine braking and may cause rough gear shifts.
I really don't recommend coasting in neutral, especially for automatic transmission cars. I've driven several older cars myself, and once tried going downhill in N gear. Later, the transmission started making loud noises, and the mechanic said it was due to insufficient lubrication causing severe wear. Automatic transmissions rely on the engine to drive the oil pump for lubricating components. When in neutral, the engine idles, and oil pressure isn't sufficient. Over time, this can lead to component damage, and the repair costs aren't cheap. So now, I always keep my car in D gear, neither coasting nor cutting corners, which also helps avoid sudden transmission failures. Remember, protecting your car means protecting your wallet.
From a safety perspective, coasting in neutral is extremely dangerous. I tried it once while driving, briefly shifting to N on the highway to save some fuel, but encountered a sudden brake from the car ahead. My reaction was slightly delayed, and I felt the car accelerated more smoothly without engine braking, nearly causing a collision. In D gear, the engine helps decelerate and stabilize speed, which neutral lacks, increasing the risk of losing control, especially downhill. It's even more prone to loss of control on slippery roads during rain. My current habit is to keep the gear engaged throughout the drive to ensure stable and reliable driving.
