What are the effects of stalling in neutral gear?
2 Answers
Stalling in neutral gear has no adverse effects. The engine can only be stalled in N (neutral) gear or P gear. Stalling in D gear or R gear may cause damage to the transmission. When in neutral gear, it is essential to ensure that the car is on a flat surface to prevent rolling. Neutral gear typically refers to the state where the vehicle's gearshift is not engaged in any forward or reverse gear, completely disconnecting the transmission from the drive wheels. The hazards of coasting in neutral gear are as follows: 1. Loss of control: The car may become uncontrollable, the engine may stall, braking efficiency may decrease, and stopping distance may increase. 2. Steering assistance: Steering assistance weakens, transmission wear accelerates, and engine carbon deposits increase. 3. Fuel consumption: Vehicle fuel consumption rises, and power cannot be immediately obtained after descending a slope.
The main issue with stalling in neutral gear is the significant safety hazard. When the engine stalls in parking lots or on slopes, the car can easily roll on its own because the transmission isn't locked, leading to loss of vehicle control. I experienced this once when I was younger—I parked on a downhill slope, stalled the engine, and forgot to engage the handbrake. The car rolled a distance and nearly hit a wall, leaving me in a cold sweat afterward. Mechanically, sudden engine shutdown causes insufficient oil pressure, increasing internal wear during the next startup and placing extra strain on the starter motor. Prolonged practice can lead to premature battery failure. When driving, stalling cuts off brake boost, making the pedal stiff and harder to press, which complicates emergency responses. I recommend developing the habit of firmly engaging the handbrake first, ensuring the car is stable before shutting off the engine, and ideally shifting to Park (P) for added safety and reliability.