What does it mean when an experienced driver shifts to neutral?
3 Answers
Shifting to neutral while driving refers to the state where the vehicle's gear lever 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". Below is a related introduction: Neutral: Neutral typically means the vehicle's gear lever is not engaged in any forward or reverse gear, completely separating the transmission from the drive wheels. Hazards of coasting in neutral: Modern car engines are electronically controlled and 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 leading to increased fuel consumption. Additionally, coasting in neutral does not provide engine braking, causing the vehicle to maintain higher speeds, reducing braking effectiveness and increasing driving risks.
I'm an ordinary driver with twenty years of experience. Putting the car in neutral is just us manual transmission drivers habitually shifting the gear lever to the neutral position, meaning the engine's power isn't transmitted to the wheels. At this point, the car still moves by inertia, but you can easily press the accelerator or brake to adjust. We veteran drivers often do this, like when going down a long slope to save some fuel, or when stopped at a red light to avoid constantly pressing the clutch—shifting to neutral saves effort. Some also keep the car in neutral when towing to avoid damaging the transmission. But I must remind you, coasting in neutral can be quite dangerous, especially on slippery roads during rain, as losing engine braking can easily lead to skidding and accidents. No matter how experienced you are, don't be overconfident—safe driving always comes first.
I often like to delve into the details of car safety. Simply put, shifting into neutral means putting the transmission in a neutral state, where the car is moving but the engine and wheels are disconnected. Experienced drivers might be used to it, naturally shifting into neutral when coasting to a stop at intersections, thinking it reduces wear and saves fuel. But the problem is, this practice is genuinely unsafe. In an emergency, braking response can slow down, and even engine braking might fail, leading to loss of control. I once tried it on the highway and nearly had an accident—since then, I only use it when parked. For automatic transmission cars, the principle is similar but more complex, and beginners are better off not imitating it. In short, shifting into neutral is a double-edged sword; it requires careful consideration based on the situation.
