What are the effects of shifting into N gear while driving an automatic transmission car?
2 Answers
Automatic transmission cars should not be shifted into neutral while driving, otherwise the following situations may occur: 1. Shifting into neutral while driving an automatic transmission car will reduce the vehicle's braking force, increasing the risk of rear-end collisions: When coasting in gear, the engine itself provides a certain level of engine braking effect, combined with the brakes, the vehicle's braking distance is shortened; Moreover, coasting in neutral can easily cause the car to stall, leading to failure of the brake booster and reduced braking performance. 2. Shifting into neutral does not save fuel, and sometimes may even consume more fuel, which is related to the working mode of fuel-injected engines: When coasting in gear, if the driver releases the accelerator, the computer will put the car into coasting mode, and the engine will stop injecting fuel; If coasting in neutral is chosen, the computer will put the car into idle mode, and the engine will continue to inject fuel.
I've always driven automatic transmission cars and usually drive quite carefully, but once on the highway I accidentally bumped the gear shift lever. The car suddenly shifted into N (Neutral) gear, causing it to coast freely while the engine RPM surged wildly, nearly losing control. After that incident, I researched extensively and learned that shifting into N while driving disconnects power output, potentially leading to reduced transmission fluid pressure and overheating/wear of internal components. This is especially dangerous during downhill or sharp turns, as it can destabilize the vehicle and increase skid risk. Modern cars may have protective mechanisms, but frequent N gear usage can shorten transmission lifespan and increase maintenance costs. I recommend only briefly using N gear when stopped at traffic lights, avoiding shifts while driving at high speeds. It's safest to maintain D (Drive) gear during normal driving - safety always comes first.
