I have an auto after years of driving only manuals. How should I use the 'neutral' position in the 'box? Is it ok to knock the 'box into neutral whilst coasting up to a stopline, for example, or is that harmful in any way? How about when stationary at the lights, should I stay in 'drive' or shift to 'neutral'?
Advice appreciated.
2007-02-17 23:19:43 · 16 answers · asked by D 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Other - Cars & Transportation
Leave it in drive all the time unless stopping to go from drive to reverse. Then make it a distinct shift to neutral then reverse. There is not point in shifting to neutral when you are going to stop as the gears in drive help slow you down. In fact when you anticipate a stop, take your foot off the gas and let the engine slowyou down rather than just using the brakes. Think of it as downshifting with a manual transmission. Continually shifting from drive to neutral can wear on your synchronizers.
2007-02-17 23:31:27 · answer #1 · answered by Duke D 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Leave it in "drive" & use the brake to stop creeping. Shifting into & out of neutral causes unnecessary wear on the mechanism. Never knock it into neutral & coast either - a) it's illegal and b) it's damaging.
I drive both manual & auto, and in the latter I, too, find tucking my foot away under the seat means I don't forget & try to use the "clutch", which usually leads to some surprising braking!
2007-02-18 00:08:34 · answer #2 · answered by champer 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should not get into the habit of shifting into neutral with an automatic transmission. You could cause stress on a flexplate over time and have problems with the transmission. The newer transmissions are not as sturdy as the older ones. There never has really been a good reason to be shifting into neutral all the time. Stay in drive while you are driving forwards.
2007-02-17 23:30:34 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Knocking into neutral is very bad practice, as is 'coasting whether in an auto or manual. When approaching a stop or traffic lights, release the throttle and then apply the footbrake, followed by the handbrake, unless you only expect to be stopped for a short time, up to a minute or so. If longer, use the handbrake and neutral. When the lights change, select drive and release the handbrake, with the footbrake ON, then change foot to throttle, and move off. Use only your RIGHT foot for either pedal!
2007-02-17 23:32:09 · answer #4 · answered by jayktee96 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
No, the nuetural is not the same as a manual, so it wont be ok to knock into neutral and coast. (im a driving instructor, but only in manuals btw!) Only use neutural when stopped. it wont hurt to stay in drive at the lights, but do remember if you take your foot of the brake (and havent used your handbrake) the car will move forward. Also, bear in mind that in most auto's you have to pass through reverse to get from neutural to 1st, whenever i drive a auto i prefer to leave it in drive so i dont have to do this.
2007-02-17 23:25:17 · answer #5 · answered by sambucaman 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Shifting into neutral is adding a small amount of wear to the moving parts of the transmission. Best to leave in in drive for short stops. Use neutral or Park for longer stops and always use neutral and the parking brake when checking transmission fluid levels on level ground.
2007-02-17 23:33:31 · answer #6 · answered by pilot 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
stay in drive and never coast in neutral as you will kill the auto box, a little tip i have found useful is to tuck your left foot back under the seat until you are use to the auto box and only using one foot.
2007-02-17 23:35:54 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
No need to use 'neutral'. Best to stay in 'Drive' (D4 in the one I drive).
Read the instruction booklet that came with the car.
If the car is 2nd hand and you don't have one, try going to the manufacturers website and you'll be able to have a look at it there.
Good luck! They're great once you get used to them.-sw
2007-02-17 23:26:10 · answer #8 · answered by sarahbean 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
leaving the car in drive all the time is fine, i have never really found a use for neutral except for giving the car a slight push without starting it.
2007-02-17 23:23:57 · answer #9 · answered by conwayism 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There is no need to use neutral. It is used for when like your car is not working, and you are trying to push the car. it allows you to push the car, like if it's in the middle of the road, you can get it to the side.
2007-02-17 23:32:18 · answer #10 · answered by Ry126 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋