When driving, is it bad to put the car in neutral every time you stop at a red light?

Answer 1

ok this answer really really depends on the transmission. if it is a manuel transmission - it is actually good to put it in neutral while stopped for long periods of time - not for the transmissions sake but for the clutch - the clutch doesnt have to work when in neutral and not engaged but it does when in gear and engaged. for an automatic transmission - putting it neutral at stoplights will cause you transmission to degrade faster than normal. when ever you "shift" an automatic into a different setting the transmission has to work - each time you do this it puts added stress on the tranny and therefore causes it to degrade faster. when stopped the automatice "knows" whats best for it at that time and being in gear doesnt hurt it at all

Answer 2

O.K let's start over and maybe we can figure out something. First drop all the history about the car. Let's start with the "new" engine. Don't care how many shops it's been in, except, remember them and don't go back. Dealer hooked it up to what? Another rip off, get your money back. Stay away from dealers except for warranty work. Now, was the engine NEW, a rebuild, junk yard, same year, what? Did this problem start when the engine was first started or later ? Does this engine have electronic ignition or a rotor and points system ? Will the car restart easily after it dies ? will it sit and idle for several minutes ? Try a steep hill or drive up on some car ramps or a mound of dirt, get one end of the car , start with the front, about a foot off the ground start and let it idle for a few minutes. Do the same to the back end. The raising up will let you know if you have a possible carb. float problem. If the engine stalls you probably should look for a low float level. If the engine dies at idle on level ground, and you have Electronic ignition, I would replace the magnetic pick up in the distributor. This is the same symptom as stalling at low speed. It may not stall at idle but it would verify the diagnosis. Forgot to mention it could be, but not likely, a vacuum leak. write your post again and see if we can solve the problem, if it is still there

Answer 3

As long as you do it at a low speed (don't recommend putting it in neutral at 30 MPH and coasting to the light).
The biggest problem is everytime you have to put it back in Drive when the light turns green.
THAT'S A LOT OF SHIFTING and it's not that good for the transmission and drive shaft.
You might get away with it for a week or a month but it will cost you alot more than just getting the problem corrected (assuming the car stalls when idling at a light)

Answer 4

Placing your car in neutral at a stop light won't do any damage to the transmission.It's just like placing it in park,the only difference is that the parking pawl doesn't engage.The pawl is what locks the axles and keeps the car from moving.The transmission fluid still continues to circulate through the system,it's just bypassed around the clutch pistons directly to the pan.It won't hurt the tranny.

Answer 5

You might wanna check with your state - some states it's illegal to put the car in neutral, because you give up some of your control over the car. If you have a stick shift, depressing the clutch is not the same as putting the car in neutral.

Answer 6

No, just like a manual transmission puttin in neutral at a light.

Answer 7

It is not bad for it, but it's not necessary either, unless your car is trying to die out when it is in drive, in which case you might want to take it to a knowledgeable qualified mechanic.

Answer 8

It is not bad for your vehicle, but be careful not to accidentally put it in reverse. Then you will damage your transmission.

Answer 9

Realistically? isnt gonna hurt it one way or the other.. its up to you..

Answer 10

if your on a hill.