Is it normal for an automatic transmission car to coast in N gear?
2 Answers
It is not normal and can damage the car. Here are the relevant details: 1. Automatic transmission cars generally use pressure lubrication: The oil pump supplies oil to areas that need lubrication. Coasting in N gear can lead to insufficient oil pressure, especially at high speeds. When coasting by inertia, which is usually considered at high speeds, some parts inside the transmission may not receive adequate lubrication, potentially causing severe damage to the components. Even at lower speeds, parts still require sufficient lubrication, so coasting should be avoided in automatic transmission cars. 2. Precautions while driving: Before driving, check whether the dashboard and tire pressure are normal. During driving, focus your eyes about 100 meters ahead and avoid staring directly at the immediate front. Follow traffic rules and drive accordingly. Be cautious when driving at night; switch to low beams when other vehicles approach. Always watch out for pedestrians and other obstacles on the roadside. Avoid overtaking when there are many vehicles on the road, and maintain a normal speed without driving too slowly.
I've also tried coasting in neutral gear while driving before, which is actually a normal physical phenomenon. When an automatic transmission is in neutral, the engine and wheels are completely disconnected, and the car relies on inertia to coast. On flat ground, it's usually fine, but if there's even a slight slope, the car will slowly roll down the incline. Once, when I was picking up a package at the entrance of my neighborhood, I temporarily put the car in neutral without engaging the handbrake, and the car slid more than half a meter on its own, which gave me a scare. Especially on downhill slopes, the coasting speed can increase rapidly, making it particularly dangerous. I recommend everyone develop the habit of using the handbrake when parking. When waiting at traffic lights, just keep the car in D (Drive) and press the brake—never rely on neutral gear to prevent coasting. Safety is the most important thing, after all.
