What Does It Mean to Shift into Neutral Gear?
3 Answers
Shifting into neutral gear generally refers to the state where the gearshift lever of a motor vehicle is not engaged in any forward or reverse gear, completely disconnecting the transmission from the drive wheels. For manual transmissions, the neutral position is in the middle, while for automatic transmissions, it is marked with an "N". The following are the hazards of coasting in neutral: 1. Reduced braking effectiveness: Automobile engines are electronically controlled and will automatically cut off fuel supply when decelerating in gear. However, if the car is coasting in neutral, the engine will not cut off fuel supply, maintaining higher RPMs and resulting in increased fuel consumption. Additionally, the engine does not provide braking deceleration when coasting in neutral, causing the vehicle to move faster and reducing braking effectiveness, thereby increasing driving risks. 2. Insufficient oil pressure: Furthermore, automatic transmission vehicles should not coast in neutral. This is because automatic transmissions consist of hydraulic control systems and planetary gear sets. Coasting in neutral with engine speed higher than vehicle speed can lead to insufficient oil pressure in hydraulic lines, increasing friction, reducing lubrication effectiveness, potentially causing wheel lock-up, and damaging the transmission system.
When I first started learning to drive, my instructor always emphasized that putting the car in neutral was a fundamental skill. This means shifting the gear lever to the middle position, completely disengaging the engine from the wheels, so the car neither moves forward nor backward, but the engine keeps running. It's especially useful in situations like waiting at a long traffic light—engaging neutral allows the car to rest quietly and saves some fuel. Or at a self-service car wash, it prevents the car from accidentally moving and damaging the equipment. However, beginners should be cautious not to do this on a slope, as the car could roll away, which is dangerous. It's recommended to practice more to get familiar with the feel of the operation. Remember, this is only for temporary parking, not for driving mode.
As a daily commuter, I often shift to neutral in congested areas or at long red lights. It disengages the engine from the drive wheels, keeping the car stationary while the engine continues running, reducing vibrations and slightly improving fuel efficiency. Shifting to neutral is also safer during car washes, preventing accidental movement if the car wash equipment is triggered. The operation is simple: for manual transmissions, shift to the middle gear position; for automatic transmissions, switch to N (Neutral). However, avoid doing this on downhill slopes as the car may roll. The effect is similar when the auto start-stop feature is active. Developing this habit can be quite beneficial.
