All motorists know that absolutely every car has a neutral speed. However, not everyone, and especially beginners, know exactly what tricks she hides inside herself, and in general for what purposes she is needed. Drivers are interested in the question of whether it is possible to use neutral in the direction of a car with an automatic transmission, especially when the car stops at a traffic light.
First, let's define what a neutral gear is. Neutral is a certain position of the gear lever. The torque, with this position of the lever, will be transmitted to the wheels from the motor in such a way that the machine will remain stationary when the engine is running. This definition is true and true for any transmission - both automatic and mechanical.
What is neutral for?
If on cars with a manual transmission the role of the neutral is completely understandable, and the driver shifts the lever to this gear every time at a traffic light and at any stop, then, on cars with an “automatic”, this gear can never be used. So why is it needed then? And it is needed, mainly, to be able to tow the car in the event of a breakdown. Only in neutral you need to tow the car, and then - quite carefully.
In another situation, a neutral speed is used on the machine - this is parking. Of course, many will say that “P” (parking) is intended for these purposes, which is more comfortable in case of parking. However, no one forbade leaving the car in neutral gear and on the "handbrake", and therefore it is quite possible to use this method.
Stop at a traffic light
Practically, in any settlement there are traffic lights, especially there are a lot of them in megacities, where you need to stop quite often when the red light comes on. What should drivers of cars with automatic transmission do in this case? Do you need to put it in neutral or is it enough to press the brake pedal and continue to be in the “drive” mode?
Different sources on this topic give different solutions. In this case, there is no single answer. Let's try to understand the root of the problem, relying mainly on the user manual.
When the neutral is on, there is no connection between the shafts. The car can move freely because the shaft is not blocked. It turns out that the "N" mode is very necessary for the service transportation of the machine. With all this, it is fundamentally important to do it according to the prescribed rules.
If we talk about stops at traffic lights, then cars with an automatic transmission are arranged a little differently than their counterparts with a manual transmission. This mechanism does not have different gears and clutches. The entire system functions thanks to the operation of the torque converter, which, when the “D” mode is on, begins to build up pressure, and this pressure transmits torque to the wheels. At this time, intensive lubrication of parts takes place.
What happens when a car stops at a red light? The person behind the wheel releases the accelerator pedal, and then the water pressure decreases. In a similar mode, the torque converter is only lubricated, which is useful for the car and the automatic gearbox.
But when switching to neutral speed, there is no such injection, and the machine is not lubricated. In other words, nothing good will come of switching to neutral while stopping a car with an automatic gearbox at a traffic light. On the contrary, frequent pressure surges can lead to accelerated wear.
The exception is not short-term stops of the car, but the cessation of movement for a longer time, this happens during traffic jams on the road or when the car stops at a gas station when there is a queue. In this case, it will be very inconvenient for the driver to hold the brake pedal with his foot for a long time. What do you do then? Put your car in neutral?
And again no. It is ideal to put the car in the parking mode, and in a situation where the traffic jam is too large and the flow of cars is almost frozen, you can even turn off the engine. On many brands of cars, "P - Parking" is intended in case of warming up the car, and parking it with the engine running. Therefore, in this situation, parking is better than neutral.
Coasting
On a car with a manual transmission, you can coast from a steep and long descent with the help of neutral as long as the angle of inclination allows. Thus, you can also save fuel. Is this allowed for cars with an automatic transmission?
The answer is definite - under no circumstances. Lubrication, which is so necessary for the movement of the car, in this case will not be, and the degree of wear will increase significantly. In addition, a sharp jump in pressure in the “automatic” box, which will occur at the end of the descent from the mountain, when the drive mode is turned on after neutral, will also have a detrimental effect. After all, you don’t stop the car completely, but immediately, after coasting, turn on the “D” mode. This may cause damage to the "automatic" box.
Repairs after coasting in neutral will cost even more than the fuel savings. Rolling, if desired, can be performed simply by releasing the accelerator pedal, but in drive mode.
If you follow the rules described above, you will be able to increase the life of the automatic transmission in your own car, and if you often neglect them, then very soon you will have to buy a new mechanism for your car.
On modern cars, a different transmission is installed, gearboxes are: mechanical, robotic, automatic and continuously variable.
Even novice drivers know why a neutral gear is needed in a manual transmission.
But the purpose of the neutral in an automatic transmission is not clear to everyone, many drivers do not use the neutral on the machine. In this article, we will consider whether an automatic transmission needs a neutral gear while the car is moving, whether it is worth switching to it.
Automatic transmission modes
In a manual gearbox (manual transmission), gear shifting is done by a lever - in the gearbox there are several forward gears (4, 5 or 6), one reverse. In a car with an automatic transmission, the speeds are changed by means of the automatic transmission selector; while driving, the auto switching occurs in automatic mode. You can understand that the box has switched by changing the engine speed or a barely noticeable push. The selector on the machine while driving is needed in order to:
- park the car;
- turn on a more dynamic mode;
- move in reverse.
Standard modes in the automatic transmission selector:
There are additional modes on the machine, but we will not consider them, it is important to find out if a neutral gear is needed, and in what cases.
Why you need a neutral automatic transmission
The most commonly used modes in automatic transmission are “P” and “D”, the selector is transferred from one mode to another, bypassing the “N” position. The instruction manual says that a neutral gear is needed for transporting (towing) a car, for example, if it is in a faulty condition. But towing a car with an automatic transmission is undesirable, in extreme cases, it is allowed to transport a car with automatic transmission at speeds up to 35 km / h and for short distances. If the car for some reason cannot move independently, the surest solution is to call a tow truck. 
Nothing bad will happen in the transmission if, during parking, the auto gear selector is in the “N” position instead of “P”, but then you need to apply the hand brake, otherwise the car standing on a slope may roll away. And if you put the car in neutral while parking, it will be inconvenient to start the engine - you have to hold the brake pedal. Parking mode "P" locks the drive wheels and the vehicle will not go anywhere.
Do I need a neutral at a traffic light
The most common question asked by drivers is whether it is necessary to turn on the neutral on the machine if the car is at a traffic light? Usually the car stands at the intersection for about one minute, and in order for the movement of a car with an automatic transmission to stop, you need to press and hold the brake pedal in the “drive” mode. Some drivers claim that switching to neutral at a traffic light extends the life of the automatic transmission. This is not true, on the contrary, the box can be damaged if you switch to "N":
- in neutral, the pump does not pump enough oil;
- when switching from neutral to drive, with a sharp press on the accelerator (gas) pedal, the oil pressure may not be enough, and the automatic transmission will overheat.
If a traffic jam has formed on the road, a lot of cars have accumulated, and you have to stand for a long time, it is wiser to switch the selector to the “parking” position:
If the plug is large, put the gear selector in the "P" mode, turn off the engine. To resume movement, it is enough to start the engine, switch to "D" and continue on your way. Some drivers switch to neutral when approaching a traffic light, and there is no big trouble from this, but if possible it is better to get used to operating the car according to the rules prescribed in the instructions.
Coasting in neutral gear with automatic transmission
A question that often arises among drivers is whether it is possible to coast in neutral if the car is driving on a flat road with a slight downward slope? Some motorists claim that fuel is saved at neutral and idle, this style of driving is very profitable in economic terms. It has been proven by practice that such a regime does not lead to savings; a lot of fuel is consumed at idle. 
Again, you need to remember - in neutral, the automatic transmission pump creates low pressure, and when switching at the end of a long descent from neutral to drive mode, a sharp transition occurs, especially when you quickly press the gas pedal. Much depends on the experience of the driver, and if the transition from "N" to "D" is unsuccessful, the transmission may completely fail. It is very bad for the box when the car is moving in neutral at a speed of over 90 kilometers per hour, therefore, during a long descent, it is strongly not recommended to turn on the neutral gear on the machine - automatic transmission repairs are always expensive. 
Rolling at neutral speed is undesirable for road safety purposes, when the gear is off, the driver cannot normally control the dynamics of the car - it takes time to switch from one mode to another, and fractions of a second are important at high speed.
- If the driver decides to use a neutral gear at a traffic light, you must first switch the selector from "N" to "D", feel a slight push, and then press the gas.
- Switching the automatic transmission lever before driving should be done with the brake pedal depressed.
- If you have to stand in a traffic jam for a long time, it is better to switch to “parking”, do not use neutral.
It is worth immediately dispelling the myth that
that there is an economy of gasoline in neutral. When the accelerator pedal is released,
a small amount of combustible consistency is sent to the combustion chamber, therefore, a special
There is no point in shifting into neutral. Let's say even more, it
the statement is burning not only for cars with an automatic gearbox
gears. On modern cars with a manual gearbox, when translated into gearshift knobs in
the neutral position of the economy is not observed.
Fuel economy in neutral
transmission takes place only on old cars with a carburetor, and with
the emergence of "electronic systems" in the motor, the assertion of economy has lost its own
meaning.
It is worth noting that with small
stops, for example, at a traffic light, do not switch the gearshift lever to “neutral”
advise - this will only lead to unnecessary switching of the box itself, which
reduces its service life.
At the moment, I would like to touch on the device of the Automatic Box itself.
You should take a close look at yourself
operation of the automatic transmission in neutral mode.
Recall that in the box automatic power
from the motor is transmitted using a torque converter (specifically, it is
own kind of clutch) on the input shaft of the box.
In order to form
different gear ratios, planetary gear sets are often used - these are
a mechanism consisting of a certain number of gears - satellites, which
revolve around the central gear, with all this
all transfer cases will be achieved by fixing different
details to each other.
Specifically, the switch
gears (fixation of different parts) is carried out by electric or hydraulic
control system. Automation continuously reads data from the output shaft
The automatic transmission and the motor, analyzing them, selects the appropriate gear.
The spectrum selection valve is connected by the selector lever. The box is automatic, and it, based on
lever position does not give the ability to engage certain gears.
The oil pump generates pressure
oil in order to control the box automatic. transmission fluid or
the same just oil as in the motor, makes a list of functions including the function
heat dissipation and lubrication.
What will happen
if we turn on "neutral"? To begin with, it should be noted
subsequent moments: in order to
move the automatic transmission selector to neutral
position, the input shaft of the automatic transmission is disconnected from the driven
(secondary) shaft.
The motor starts running
idle mode (750-850 rpm), pressure in the lubrication system of the "machine"
decreases in some places by 2 times, in contrast to the pressure in the driving mode.
On
neutral gear, you can travel at a speed of less than 40 km / h.
Therefore, as there is no rigid connection of torsion
wheels and engine speed, the torque from the wheel is transmitted to the driven shaft
gearboxes, and if the neutral gear was engaged on
the highest speed - the driven shaft will spin much faster than the leading one. IN
this moment, the driven shaft of the motor and the gearbox associated with it, bearings,
gears will be subjected to increasing loads with speed.
Due to the fact that in oil
system, the pressure is set to the lowest, then at high speed on the slave
the shaft of the "machine" and almost all devices associated with it will arise and will increase
oil starvation. As a result - local deformation, overheating of parts,
reduction of box operation time.
If you are often
move at high speeds with the neutral gear engaged, the box
will be out of order soon.
Now it is necessary to determine that
such "high speeds" and what they are not. To do this, you need to look at
annotation for the operation of your machine. In fact, in all such books
it is indicated that it is possible to tow a car with automatic transmission less than 40 km from
speed less than 40
km / h (from time to time this figure is reduced to 30 km / h). For some
car models, towing is completely prohibited.
This happens because
oil pressure pressure after 40 mph will no longer be enough and not enough for lubrication
devices, and the box will become very hot. When the speed does not exceed 40 km / h - the pressure will also be small, the box will
heat up but 40 km
still be able to overcome without significant consequences. After that, you need to give
rest the car for a few hours and continue moving again up to 40 km / h.
As it should, in neutral
the transmission can still move (if the annotation does not prohibit this
actions), but the speed should not exceed 40 km/h.
What happens if
switch the lever to "drive" mode
If the driver of the car
automatic transmission goes directly to "neutral", early
or later you will need to turn on the "drive". Here again it is necessary to remember the difference
speeds of the secondary and primary shaft of the gearbox.
Mode
"drive" is best to turn on the car
is in a static position.
Electric box control
gears will naturally select a suitable gear that will match
speed (but no need to rely on electronics, because it can turn on and
1 gear). Everyone who drove an automatic knows that turning on the “drive” mode on
a stationary car causes a slightly tangible push - this engages
gears.
If the "drive" mode after
turn on the "neutral" mode on a car that is in motion, in addition,
that the moment of engagement of the gears will be more significant, will increase and
load on the gearbox due to the fact that it will need to coordinate the speed of rotation of the shafts.
Cause drive is better
turn it on with the car at a standstill.
Naturally, a one-time shift of the lever changing modes to
a moving car is unlikely to lead to big consequences, but if you often
“playing with gears”, then it is completely possible that the automatic transmission will be disabled (for
For those who like to switch, we recommend purchasing a car with a manual transmission).
Ultimately
willing to say:
- "Neutral" is not intended to become
panacea for fuel economy. - On the "neutral" you need to move
at speeds below 40 km/h,
the higher the speed, the faster the shortage of oil and overheating of the gearbox will come. - Drive mode is the best
include on the car which is in a static position (does not edit). - "Neutral" on a car with Automatic transmission is needed
only for towing the machine (less than 40 km and with the
speed). For other purposes, it makes no sense to use a neutral gear.
The process of driving a car is greatly simplified thanks to such an addition as an automatic transmission. The driver can devote more time to the road itself, and not to the process of applying a particular speed. Even the standard and simplest devices support several driving modes. Among them is the so-called neutral.
The wheels do not receive torque from the engine if the shift lever is in the neutral position in the automatic transmission. Photo: autoassa.ru
The application of neutral gear is often carried out when the car slows down due to a traffic light. But the scenarios for using this tool have their limitations.
Why does an automatic transmission need a neutral
Many who use automatic transmissions may never use neutral at all in their entire lives. But this element is mandatory. The main purpose is to tow the car.
Information on towing rules is in the public domain - just read the official operating instructions that are attached to the vehicle.
The instructions also state that the towing distance itself should not exceed 50 kilometers in range. If you need to travel a longer distance, it is recommended to use a tow truck. Or towing technology, in which the car's front wheels are raised.
Why neutral on the machine: parking assistance
Parking is another place that allows the use of neutral gears. Photo: kto-chto-gde.ru
It is advised to leave parking in neutral gear only if there are problems with the operating mode. If the car is left exactly at neutral speed, then to start the engine, the pedal responsible for the brake is fully depressed.
Turning on the neutral during traffic jams and before traffic lights
Drivers have many misconceptions, one of which is precisely related to the fact that when stopping at a traffic light, you need to switch to neutral mode. Especially often those who previously drove vehicles using a manual box think so.
But in this case, there are some features associated with management.
- When the drive mode, also referred to as D, is working, the pressure begins to build up due to the torque converter of the automatic transmission. Due to the same process, torque is transmitted in the device.
- Thanks to the mode indicated above, all parts included in the gearbox are actively lubricated.
- When the accelerator pedal has not been pressed and is not being used, the torque converter maintains its position in the "green zone". In this case, the torque converter is also covered with grease. And no more processes are carried out.
When the driver switches to neutral mode, the input and output shafts are disconnected. This means that the process of lubricating parts is also interrupted. After turning on the green traffic light, the transition to a new speed mode will become more stressful for the car, as the pressure in the system changes sharply from one level to another.
Because of this, the elements in the box move more than necessary, which negatively affects the overall performance and leads to early failure.
From the same point of view it is necessary to consider the situation when the driver is in traffic jams. During a traffic jam, there is no need to constantly change modes D and N with each other. With a completely absent traffic, it is permissible to simply temporarily turn off the engine, or switch to P mode - parking.
Engage neutral while driving
Many drivers prefer to be in the N position when the car is moving downhill. Photo: m.top54.city
It is impossible to turn on the neutral on the go, for several reasons.
- The corresponding lubrication of the working units stops when the lever moves to the neutral position. And when the car is moving, the fulfillment of this condition is necessary.
- The driver has less time and opportunities to make maneuvers. For example, if you need to go around an obstacle, the driver will not be able to increase speed.
- Another reason lies in the fact that the pressure changes in the system too abruptly. This can cause the transmission itself to fail prematurely.
So is it permissible to turn on the neutral on the move? No, this is not recommended.
If the car is equipped with classic automatic transmissions, then the engine can be used for braking. To calmly cope with the descents, it is recommended to press the O / D button, if it is available in the package. After that, the vehicle switches to the use of the third stage. And it will not be able to develop a speed of more than 80 kilometers per hour. If a speed of 120 kilometers per hour or more is constantly maintained, then this function is not carried out.
The selector is moved to position two when it comes to driving on steep descents. Then the driving speed will be limited to marks of 40-60 kilometers per hour.
The L position will be useful in several situations:
- Outside asphalt roads.
- In the presence of steep descents with ascents.
When using the L mode, the car will never accelerate more than 10-20 kilometers. This is useful during climbs as it allows you to make the most of the vehicle's torque.
In general, cars with automatic transmissions do not like off-road. Or driving on roads in the winter season. There is a high chance that the wheels will begin to slip. This leads to the fact that the parts of the automatic transmission wear out too quickly.
Do not press on the gas with full force if the car gets stuck in mud or puddles.
Mode 1 or L mode is more suitable for overcoming such obstacles. It is better to drive back a little, using the track already passed.
If the unit is not warm enough, then excessive loads are unacceptable for it. The same goes for high speeds. Smooth movement during the first couple of kilometers of the way will be useful even in the summer. At first, sharp jerks should be avoided. You need to wait until the oil warms up to the required temperature. In transmissions of other types, warming up is even slower.
In winter, for warming up, the selector is specially placed in several different positions at once in a short time. But each one needs to linger. Then the oil in the automatic transmission warms up faster and easier. You can press the brake pedal while using the "Drive" mode. It is better to drive the first kilometers, activating the winter mode of operation.
About what you should not do on an automatic transmission, you will learn from this video:
Many people think that a handbrake is not needed at all for automatic transmissions. And drivers really rarely use this device. For some, one P mode is enough. But the rules for operating any vehicle make hand brakes a mandatory element of the system. After all, sometimes it happens that automation fails. And only manual devices help to avoid situations where too much harm is done to people around and even buildings.
The handbrake is also used if the car stops for a while, and the engine continues to work. Or when the driver leaves the passenger compartment for a short time.
Outcome
The neutral gear on an automatic transmission is not just a random extra detail, it is of great importance for the car. However, it is necessary to observe some operating features in order for the gearbox to serve stably for as long as possible.
The future driver is hammered in at a driving school: on cars with manual transmission, at any stops, the “handle” should be transferred to “neutral”. On the "machines" "neutral" is also present, but not everything is so simple and obvious.
The secret of the third pedal
Considering that not every modern driver is familiar with the third pedal, just in case, we will briefly explain.
If the clutch pedal is fully depressed, then the clutch is disengaged. Holding down the pedal wears out the release bearing and the clutch diaphragm spring. It is these “things” that “separate” the clutch discs together: the master and the driven, as a result of which the “delivery” of torque to the box from the power unit stops.
If you do not remove your foot from the clutch pedal for a long time with the engine running, you can run into expensive repairs in the future. But this is possible only in the long term, because the margin of safety of the entire assembly is quite serious.
On the "machines" "neutral" is also present. But the situation with its use is more complicated.
If you climb on automotive forums, you can get confused. After all, the owners of steel horses with “machine guns” were divided into two opposing camps. Some promote “poking” into the “N” position at any opportunity, while others urge not to touch the selector. At the same time, car owners, regardless of age, gender and favorite movie characters, unanimously pour mud on the opinions and arguments of opponents. Another, so to speak, holy war. Not as large-scale, of course, as the confrontation between Japanese farmers and everyone else, but still.
Fans of switching to “neutral” argue this both by fuel economy (less fuel is consumed in “neutral”) and by taking care of the nodes and mechanisms in general. Indeed, in their opinion, even while driving a car with an “automatic” one cannot stop thinking.
Supporters of leaving everything in its place - people are a little lazy (many themselves admit this fact) - retort by saying that it is harmful to pull the selector on the automatic transmission once again, and that this can lead to premature failure of the box. In addition, you can often find the phrase: “Save fuel? “Mechanic” had to buy and every evening count how many grams of gasoline saved while the traffic light was red.”
There is, however, a third party that is in the middle of the battlefield. These people switch the selector to “neutral” only when something looms ahead that can stop their car for a long time (more than five minutes). And this is done for one reason - they do not want to "rape" the box. And during short stops, for example, at traffic lights, such drivers do not even remember the existence of the “N” position.
Is there any truth?
If you believe the specialists in the repair of automatic transmissions, then there are no right or wrong in this dispute. You just need to understand that “automatic” means both torque converter and robotic gearboxes. The differences between them are in the types of clutch.
In the "classic" automatic transmission, it is hydraulic, and in the "robot" - with rubbing discs, as in the manual transmission.
So, on torque converters, many people move the selector to the “N” position for one reason - not to overheat the box. The catch is that a large number of car owners have a very vague and schematic idea of what the box, in fact, can “steam”.
Most often this is due to the fault of the oil filter. After all, he, unfortunately, can easily become clogged with sand, dust and something else of that kind. In addition, the filter can easily become coked with deposits.
If the automatic transmission filter is already a “grated roll” and has seen a lot in its life, then switching to “neutral” at traffic lights, freezing in traffic jams, and so on is just a way to delay a visit to the service for a while. It's like taking painkillers if you have a toothache: no matter how much you take analgesics, you'll have to go to the dentist.
Well, if the filter is young, cheerful and fresh, then “poking” is just a tribute to the archaic “mechanical” past. From which you can safely refuse and use the "neutral" only in the case of short-term towing.
The legend of the "robot"
There is a common myth. It lies in the fact that in a robotic box, the clutch discs wear out even during “idling”, when the car is standing and the engine is running. And in order not to "offend" how much the manual transmission is in vain, you must always put the "neutral".
This delusion never borders on the truth. The fact is that the actuators (clutch release and gear shifting devices) independently, without anyone's help, disconnect the clutch when the brake pedal is depressed.
The principle is the same as in the case of a "mechanical" box. In the distant and gloomy future, the release bearing will fail if the gear is engaged for a long time, and the clutch is left depressed.
With "neutral", for example, at the traffic lights there is one unpleasant feature. After the selector has been moved from position "N" to position "D", you must wait a second or two. This is necessary so that the "automatic" has time to figure out what's what, and prepare for the movement. But for other participants, the movement of these seconds may seem like an eternity, so they may begin to frantically honk and accuse the owner of the "machine" of stupidity.
It is clear that not everyone reacts painfully to rudeness, but especially impressionable ones can sharply press on the gas pedal. And this leads to painful blows to the automatic transmission, which will definitely not benefit it.
What is the result?
From all that has been said, a simple conclusion can be drawn. If the steel horse is no longer young, and the state of the filter of its box is a mystery, then switching the selector to “N” is quite acceptable. This will delay the moment of an expensive visit to the service, and will save fuel.
But it’s better to play it safe when buying a used car with an “automatic” - change the oil with a filter. No matter what the manufacturers say, no matter how beautifully the letters line up in the manuals, and “maintenance-free” checkpoints do not exist in nature.
If the steel horse is new, then it does not matter what type of automatic transmission it is equipped with. You can switch to "neutral" in the case when you are just too lazy to hold the brake. But at such moments, it is much more convenient to simply flip the selector to “P” and not fill your head with a dilemma: turn on “neutral” or not.
