Is it possible to coast in neutral with an automatic transmission car?
4 Answers
It is not advisable to coast in neutral with an automatic transmission car, and the reasons are as follows: Automatic transmission models cannot directly shift into N (neutral) gear while driving in D (drive) gear. The vehicle must be stopped and stationary before the gear can be shifted into N. The correct starting procedure for an automatic transmission car is: 1. Press the start button, and the ACC light will illuminate as the vehicle performs a self-check; 2. Turn the ignition key to the second position, and the computer system will begin a self-check; 3. Press the brake pedal and press the start button to ignite and start the engine; 4. Release the foot brake and let the car warm up for 1 to 3 minutes while stationary; 5. Press the foot brake again, shift to D gear, release the handbrake, and you can start driving. With an automatic transmission, the driver does not need to manually shift gears; the vehicle will automatically select the appropriate gear based on the driving speed and traffic conditions.
I often drive out for fun, and I used to try coasting in neutral on downhill slopes with an automatic transmission to save some fuel money, but that time I almost rear-ended someone. Because when you coast in neutral, you lose the assistance of engine braking, and the braking relies entirely on the brake pads themselves, which heat up quickly and can even overheat—posing a huge risk. Moreover, the transmission fluid doesn’t circulate properly in this state, leading to insufficient lubrication, and components can easily overheat and wear out. If you keep doing this long-term, the transmission could fail, costing thousands to repair. Shifting to neutral while stopped at a red light is fine, but coasting in motion is absolutely not safe. Safe driving is so important—why risk big trouble for small gains? I suggest just staying in D gear like you’re supposed to.
I think automatic transmissions are designed with such precision that shifting into neutral can cause insufficient oil pump pressure and inadequate lubrication, leading to increased friction between internal components or even severe damage. I've personally seen a friend's automatic car suffer transmission failure because of this, costing over ten thousand yuan in repairs. Moreover, from a safety perspective, coasting without engine braking assistance is extremely dangerous in emergencies, as it reduces stopping power. While shifting into neutral when parked can be used occasionally, coasting at high speeds is just asking for trouble. Maintaining a car is like caring for a pet—it requires careful attention and avoiding unnecessary risks.
Many people wonder if coasting in neutral saves fuel. From what I know, it doesn't necessarily save fuel, as modern automatic transmission systems are already optimized for fuel efficiency. Coasting in neutral actually interrupts the transmission fluid circulation, accelerating wear and tear, and also reduces engine braking, increasing the risk of accidents. It's fine to shift into neutral when parked, but keeping it in D (Drive) while moving is the safest and most reliable option. Simply put, don't risk big losses for small gains.
