Shifting from neutral to drive while revving Otherwise no, shifting between drive and neutral doesn't damage the transmission at all. Jan 31, 2008 · Shifting from drive to neutral and back into drive is not going to hurt anything. If the shift lever is moved to N (Neutral) while driving the vehicle loses the ability to provide engine braking. Revving the engine and then immediately putting the transmission into drive causes those clutch packs and clutch bands to prematurely wear out. Does a car burn less gas in neutral? The only way it would cause damage is if he's redlining the engine in neutral OR if he's shifting into or out of gear while revving it. Nov 28, 2022 · Inside an automatic transmission are clutch packs and clutch bands that use friction to move certain parts when shifting. Jun 22, 2025 · We've previously covered why shifting to neutral while stopped is a bad idea, and the variation of revving it up before slamming it into drive can wreck your gearbox. Learn how to diagnose and fix this issue. Vehicles are complex machines and this unintended acceleration signals something is amiss. Aug 11, 2023 · I have a 2022 RAV4 XLE AWD. Other than feeling stupid as fuck when that happens, does it hurt the bike in any way? Nov 24, 2016 · So this is just a dumb question and I probably wouldn't attempt it but I was wondering if a CVT would be able to handle being revved in neutral and then being slammmed into drive while the revs are still up, allowing it to launch quicker. Why wouldn't you just do this in park so you don't risk accidentally shifting to drive mid rev and run into something? Edit: misread, I think you meant while you're out driving around, shift to neutral just to rev then presumably back to drive? Nov 12, 2019 · Suppose you are driving up a long, steep hill in an automatic transmission car. Drivers cannot help but rev the engine while shifting the gear. Shifting into Neutral and back isn't causing any mechanical harm. May 20, 2025 · Revving occurs in an expected fashion while driving when accelerating to achieve a desired speed. If you’re me you probably missed the shift while revving the fuck out of it and your lawnmower eng- parallel twin sounds like it’s going to die so you just cram the shift lever ignoring the clutch, hang your head in shame and drive away as fast as possible. In automatic transmission vehicles, neutral is positioned between drive (D) and reverse (R). Without the ability to accelerate or decelerate, you become dependent on the momentum already built up. Jul 28, 2025 · Summary Is it safe to put your automatic car into neutral while driving? Worrying about potential transmission damage or whether shifting to neutral could compromise your safety can be daunting. Can I still drive my car if it vibrates in drive? As an auto technician, I understand a car revving while in park can be alarming. The transmission is meant to allow movement while in neutral. Mar 24, 2025 · Every time you shift between drive and neutral, your transmission components experience unnecessary wear. I know regular autos don't like it but I haven't heard 3 days ago, I noticed at stop lights that my rear end felt like it was catching up and clunking when I came to a full stop. Oct 23, 2024 · Not sure what you are talking about. although there is probably little risk in damaging anything from drive to neutral, going back into drive while already in motion can cause damage to your tranny. Sep 2, 2024 · What happens if I accidentally drove in neutral? Accidentally shifting into neutral on your car shouldn’t cause any damage to your vehicle. On the different trannies that I had, the first one (stock & stock everything) died after 3 neutral drops. yea you can shift to neutral while driving, and back into drive too. Newer cars come equipped with a reverse inhibitor. Also, moving the shift lever back to D (Drive) while the vehicle is moving may severely damage the transmission. Sometimes I do that by mistake when I'm excited or trying to accelerate quickly. Also to just randomly throw it into neutral while driving. In this article, we'll tell you about possible solutions. Then steadily step on the accelerator and watch the needle go up a higher limit on the tachometer dial. Jun 22, 2022 · Do not move the shift lever to N (Neutral) when driving. Apr 11, 2023 · Automatic transmissions are a common feature in cars, allowing for smooth and convenient shifting between gears. Then, shift back into drive or the correct gear. Nov 6, 2025 · Is your car revving on its own while you are stationary or while you are driving? This guide helps you identify the issue so you can fix it. I don't know if that makes a difference. Since I purchased it (new), when I shift from drive to park, the RPMs go up and the engine makes a revving sound for a second or It's definitely concerning that the transmission seemingly shifted to neutral on its own while driving. And fortunately, nothing should happen to your car if you shift into reverse while driving other than your car slowing down and some grinding of the gears. Don’t forget to use the e-brake to keep the vehicle stationary. Your car is more efficient staying in gear, there is no wear on the transmission, it's technically illegal to drive in neutral in some states. Is this possible with an automatic? I've done it in other cars but not the S650 Aug 6, 2012 · Sometimes, putting a car in neutral is the best way to avoid an accident. On the other hand, revving can also occur when stopped, by depressing a vehicle’s accelerator pedal while in park or neutral. My question is whether shifting into drive while coming down from a throttle blip would damage a PDK transmission. Aug 15, 2022 · While you are driving, move the shifter forward and hold it there for a second or two, it will shift into neutral, rev it all you want, then before putting it back to drive, just let the rpm’s drop back to normal. If you’re revving while in neutral, engage the e-brake so your car doesn’t roll forward or backward. However, it is risky to continue Apr 25, 2025 · In the realm of automatic transmission vehicles, understanding when to use neutral gear is essential for maintaining the health of our car’s transmission system and ensuring safety while driving. Noob question. Sometimes when going, the transmission slips out of gear resulting in the engine racing then banging back into gear, or you step on the gas, and the engine revs, but the vehicle goes nowhere. Like accelerating from a stop and starting on a hill, revving with the clutch is practically inevitable when changing gears. Feb 7, 2021 · A couple of times, I accidentally pushed my gear shift from Drive to Neutral while driving 50 mph, and then immediately put it back to Neutral. Reason 6: Exhaust Leaks An exhaust leak is a situation where there are unintended openings, gaps, and cracks in your car’s exhaust system. You're not rev matched and are at risk of causing damage to the transmission. This can be particularly useful in certain situations that A+ response if I were debating the wisdom of revving in neutral, lol. The main reason is that modern cars are already prepared for things such a Aug 5, 2023 · Why does my car vibrate in drive but not in neutral? Your car may vibrate in drive due to a problem with the engine or transmission mounts, worn-out spark plugs, or a damaged torque converter. My car is a 2016 Honda Accord coupe (Automatic transmission) Oct 17, 2025 · Common automatic driving mistakes include coasting downhill in neutral, revving the engine before shifting gears, switching between reverse and drive without stopping, neglecting the parking brake, and pressing the accelerator too abruptly. When you shift to neutral, you disrupt these carefully calibrated systems. Is it safe to go from Drive to neutral? Though it will not harm your transmission to shift into Neutral while your vehicle is in motion, the additional wear on your brakes by leaving the transmission in Drive will be negligible over the life of the brake pads. ByCarl Frisch In drive but revs like neutral is a common issue encountered with automatic transmission vehicles. You're right that shifting into park while moving is bad, and shifting into reverse while rolling forward (or into drive while rolling backwards) is bad. The transmission fluid lubricates the moving parts of your car’s interior and carries power from the transmission to the engine. Jul 23, 2025 · The one downside to an automatic vs a manual is that neutral shift and rev. It occurs when the transmission is stuck in one gear and the engine runs at a constant, high RPM. Can you do damage to the transmission? May 27, 2025 · Some argue that shifting an automatic car from drive to neutral while in motion can add extra wear and tear to the transmission over time. Nov 18, 2024 · To rev a car while driving, put the transmission in neutral, then press the gas. Let”s get to it! Quick Overview: Car Revving in Park Aspect Details Effects Engine […] When driving, you can rev your engine by pressing the brake and then placing the gear shift to neutral. This causes the vehicle to accelerate slower than normal and can lead to increased fuel consumption. The time now is 06:04 AM. This is easy with a stick shift, but a bit more complicated in an automatic. (I wish I never knew that trick of Neutral to 1st!) The converter was the first thing to crash, then it spit shards of metal throughout the tranny causing the need for a rebuild. Nov 29, 2022 · How do I rev my engine while driving? To rev your engine without moving, turn on your car and put it in park or neutral, then press on the gas. If you’re revving the car in neutral while parked, find a flat ground where the vehicle is less likely to roll forward or back. Many drivers are unsure if putting their automatic car in neutral at stoplights or while driving is beneficial or harmful. Neutral to drive while rolling or sitting still isn’t going to hurt anything unless you have your foot on the gas revving the engine. You're doing a steady 40 miles per hour, and suddenly you shift from Drive into Neutral. Can shifting into neutral while driving be done SAFELY in a McLaren 650S by pushing the transmission "N" button while driving? Then after you are done revving the engine a couple times, can you SAFELY go back into drive by pushing the transmission "D" button? Automatic transmissions are not engineered to shift from neutral into drive and it puts wear on the clutchpacks in the transmission. Aug 21, 2019 · It is that minor. Additionally, it can put additional strain on the transmission, leading to further . You only hurt things when you're at 2k rpm in drive, shift into neutral and rev the engine to say 6-7k rpms, and then immediately drop it back into drive. The time now is 05:08 AM. Yesterday out of a sharp turn drive thru I went to go and it revved up to 2-3k rpm before going, but extremely slow almost as if it was in neutral and just rolling, I pulled onto the highway and gave it some gas and it clunked, wheels squealed and then it finally went as 3. Apr 8, 2025 · How Do You Rev the Engine While Driving? When and Why You Should – Learn how to safely rev an automatic car while driving, the benefits of revving, and when to avoid it to prevent engine damage. Feb 11, 2023 · If your car is in drive but it still revs like it's in neutral, there could be some problems. Additionally, it is important to maintain control of the vehicle and avoid excessive revving while in neutral, as this can affect the brakes and cause the car to move unexpectedly. However, you may notice your vehicle’s engine revving at high RPMs before shifting gears, which can be concerning. When you shift to neutral, the engine and transmission are disconnected, so the vibration stops. Oct 8, 2023 · While this would usually happen while driving – If you pressed your gas pedal down while at a standstill and it was binding or sticking it would be stuck revving however far the point of sticking is. Jan 30, 2008 · [/quote] you should NEVER shift into neutral while in motion (and then back into drive). This article explores what causes a car to accelerate on its own from idle. Sep 30, 2025 · Revving the car engine while it's in drive can be a tempting proposition, especially if you're an adrenaline junkie looking for some quick acceleration. Nov 22, 2019 · Will shifting into drive while accelerating usually damage transmission or is it something I dont have to worry about. That’s called a neutral dump and is bad for your transmission. But most automatic drivers have an aversion to shifting while in motion, afraid that they'll damage the engine or put it Jul 18, 2025 · Every automatic transmission car has a neutral gear, but you won't find yourself using it very often. The engine revs up to around Apr 25, 2025 · The Role of Neutral in Driving Dynamics Neutral gear serves a function similar to idling; it allows the engine to run without propelling the car forward. Sep 30, 2023 · The Dangers of Your Car Going Into Neutral While Driving One of the most significant dangers when your car goes into neutral while driving is the potential loss of control. The manual actually says you can shift into neutral while moving, but it does recommend against coasting for in neutral for long distances, not so much about the transmission as about the use of brakes in absence of engine braking. When shifting into neutral, it’s crucial to understand the car’s momentum will carry it forward even though power is no longer being actively If you want to rev the engine while driving, find an area with few cars. To rev your engine while driving, shift into neutral and press the gas while your car coasts. I assume as soon as you noticed you went into neutral you let off the gas and shifted back into drive, in which case your transmission will change gears normally and bring the revs up for when you accelerate again. Nov 22, 2002 · The Neutral to 1st drop will either damage the #1 - converter, #2 - differential, or #3 - internals each time. Just dont rev it up and then bomb it back into drive and itll generally be alright. Neutral gear plays a specific role by disengaging the engine from the wheels, allowing them to spin freely without power from the engine. You’re fine- the real danger comes when you shift from neutral to drive while pressing the gas. Sep 28, 2024 · Drive to Neutral to Drive while MovingAll times are GMT -5. You can then drive off after revving the engine, which you do by shifting to drive gear or reverse gear if you want to reverse the car. If you take your car to the dealer and they find / do nothing, ask them to do the adaptation especially if you have any clunking, harsh shifts, or hesitation. But If you’re revving while in neutral, engage the e-brake so your car doesn’t roll forward or backward. Oct 19, 2021 · Let’s tackle the topic of leaving your car in neutral, drive, or park while at a stop in traffic. The transmission system is designed to operate most efficiently when in drive mode, with the engine providing proper lubrication and pressure throughout the system. edit: I should also mention that in my case the car is an automatic and has a carbureted engine. A few things to consider: Mercedes transmissions from that era are known to have solenoid issues that can cause strange shifting behaviors like this. The first thing you shouldn't do in an automatic transmission is coast in neutral. Mar 22, 2017 · Then you can rev the engine to your hearts delight. . This is because you must depress the clutch to change hears. Feb 7, 2011 · In the two week period described in the first post, I did have one instance of the false neutral when shifting from reverse to drive. But there are cautions about shifting into drive with the engine revved up, and that is probably what you are referring to. Its something I always hear from friends, for example, having the car in neutral at a stop light and forgetting then revving the engine is bad. The process for revving a car in neutral is relatively simple and straightforward, and it can be a great way to hear your engine roar while not driving the car forwards or backwards. Stop doing this. Moisture intrusion from heavy rain could potentially cause a temporary electrical fault in a solenoid. When you start the car, wait for the engine to warm up. Inside an automatic transmission are clutch packs and clutch bands that use friction to move certain parts when shifting. Mar 14, 2025 · See, you're not supposed to shift between reverse and drive while a vehicle is moving, as it's bad for the transmission. Likewise for going from drive to neutral as long as you aren’t revving the engine no damage is going to occur. May 23, 2022 · If your car is revving while driving, your engine may be experiencing transmission issues – most likely a transmission fluid leak. I don't move the shifter all the way up and so the bike goes to neutral instead of second and revs up to 5 or 6 thousand rpm when I twist the throttle as a result. Doing so may increase the risk of an accident. Once again, you can protect the clutch by changing gears smoothly without revving the engine, but this requires more skill than many drivers May 20, 2025 · High engine revving before shifting can be caused by a faulty sensor, bad transmission control, or improper gear oil. Jan 8, 2024 · Have you ever been driving down the road when suddenly your car starts revving up and down for no apparent reason? Or maybe your engine races uncontrollably when sitting in park or neutral? This strange phenomenon can be downright dangerous if it causes your vehicle to surge or stall in traffic. Wouldnt make a habit of doing it. Here's when you should (and shouldn't) shift to neutral. Can you shift into neutral while driving to rev? Don’t Launch the Vehicle What I mean by that is, don’t rev the engine while in “neutral” and then pop the shifter into “drive”. Neutral Dropout: This is where the transmission drops into neutral while driving and comes to a stop. Aug 27, 2024 · To rev your engine without moving, turn on your car and put it in park or neutral, then press on the gas. Also, you can rev an automatic car in neutral gear without the car moving. Break the habit DCT in neutral while moving? How? Impossible?All times are GMT -5. bsintd acgfzd jau ppvj nrim oehbh ijgvgmn obpbgzy xmuxigl hnkhwx apinq vxqgmo etvme nid vyjg