Is it normal for an automatic transmission car to coast in neutral gear?

[FranciscoMarie]

Coasting in neutral gear with an automatic transmission can damage the vehicle. This is because automatic transmission cars generally use pressure lubrication, where an oil pump delivers oil to the parts that need lubrication. Coasting in neutral gear can lead to insufficient oil pressure, which may severely damage components. Even at low speeds, parts require adequate lubrication, so coasting should be avoided in automatic transmission cars. Below are some driving precautions: 1. Before driving, check if the dashboard indicators and tire pressure are normal. 2. While driving, focus your eyes about 100 meters ahead, not directly in front. 3. Follow traffic rules and drive accordingly. 4. Be cautious when driving at night. Switch to low beams when another vehicle approaches, and always watch for pedestrians and other obstacles on the roadside. 5. Avoid overtaking when there are many vehicles on the road, and maintain a normal speed—neither too slow nor too fast.

[StLily]

Last year, I tried putting the car in N gear on a small slope in the parking lot, and the car rolled about half a meter on its own, nearly hitting a wall. Since then, I knew this wasn’t normal. In any automatic transmission car, when in N gear, the engine is disconnected from the wheels, and even a slight slope or a push from the wind can cause the car to roll. At best, it might lead to a minor collision or scrape; at worst, it could result in loss of control and a serious accident—extremely dangerous. When parking, you should use P gear to lock the car or firmly press the brake until the car is completely stopped before shifting gears. Engineers emphasize the locking function of P gear during design precisely to prevent such accidents. Developing good habits in daily driving can avoid trouble—safety comes first, and cutting corners by ignoring details is never worth it.

[VonJosephine]

I've been repairing cars for over a decade and have seen numerous accidents caused by vehicles rolling in Neutral gear. For instance, one customer parked on a slope forgot to engage the handbrake, and the car slowly moved, scraping the side headlight - the repair cost several thousand yuan. In principle, Neutral gear disconnects the transmission from the power system, essentially allowing wheels to roll freely without any control, which increases risks on uneven surfaces or with tire wear. This uncontrolled rolling isn't just dangerous; it also accelerates wear on drivetrain components, causing long-term damage to vehicle lifespan. My advice: regardless of circumstances, always shift to Park or firmly press the brake when parked. Develop mechanical maintenance awareness to protect your beloved car and save on repair costs.

[AdelineMarie]

When I first started driving, I was curious and tried shifting to neutral at a traffic light, but the car suddenly rolled forward, scaring me into hitting the brakes. From then on, I learned my lesson. Automatic transmission cars rolling in N gear is absolutely not normal. The safety manual clearly warns to shift to P gear or keep the brake pedal pressed when parking, especially on slopes, where extra caution is needed. Otherwise, gravity can push the vehicle, causing it to roll and potentially lead to an accident. Now, I've developed a habit of proper parking operations: first slow down, brake steadily, then shift gears, avoiding distracted operations. Safety is the most important. New drivers, take it slow and practice—don’t panic.