Why does the “machine” need a neutral mode

With the use of "neutral" in a mechanical box, everything is more or less clear. For those who have a car armed with an “automatic”, it is better to forget about the letter N on the transmission selector altogether, and never use this mysterious mode. But why does it even exist then?

When the “automatic” handle with a classic torque converter is in the Neutral position, there is no connection between the engine and the gearbox, so, unlike the Parking mode, the car can move freely. If on the “mechanics” driving in “neutral” is safe, then for the “machine” such free play is fraught with problems.

Switching from Neutral to Drive at full speed during a long descent leads to overheating of the automatic transmission. At speeds over 90 kilometers per hour, such manipulation of an automatic transmission can kill it outright. Yes, and a lot of fuel movement in the "neutral" will not save. So you should not leave the Drive position when coasting, because in this mode the box itself will select the highest of the permitted gears and provide minimal engine braking.

If you accidentally switch to “neutral” while driving, in no case do not immediately press the accelerator, otherwise you will have to pay a tidy sum for repairing the box. On the contrary, before returning the selector to the desired position, you should release the gas and wait for the engine speed to drop to idle. It is not recommended to move the lever to the N position during short stops, for example, in a traffic jam or at a traffic light, since unnecessary shifts reduce the life of the box. Moreover, a serviceable “automatic machine” with an unclogged filter of the working fluid in position D does not experience any load and will not overheat.

If, standing in a traffic jam, you are tired of keeping your foot on the brake pedal, it is better to switch the selector to the parking mode .. In this case, the wheels will be blocked, the car will not roll away and you can not use the handbrake, which will have to be done in neutral. In addition, when switching the selector from Neutral to Drive, you should not rush to immediately gas. It is necessary to wait for a characteristic push, which will indicate that the automatic transmission has selected a gear.

The neutral mode of the "machine" is intended only for towing a car. It is very important to adhere to the range and speed limits in accordance with the instructions for a particular model. Usually it is 40 km/h. Before towing, it is better to check the gear oil level and, if necessary, add it to the upper mark in order to fully ensure the lubrication of the parts while driving. If a car with an "automatic" needs towing over a long distance, it is better to use a tow truck.