Shifting into or out of neutral in an automatic car while in motion is generally not recommended and can potentially harm the transmission rather than the engine itself. Here are some reasons why:
1). Transmission stress: Automatic transmissions are designed to engage and disengage gears automatically based on speed and load. Shifting to neutral interrupts this process and can cause stress on the transmission components.
2). Loss of control: When in neutral, the driver loses the ability to accelerate or utilize engine braking. This can lead to a loss of control, especially in emergency situations.
3). Potential damage: Repeatedly shifting in and out of neutral while driving can lead to premature wear or damage to the transmission. Some modern automatic transmissions have electronic controls that may not respond well to manual shifting, leading to potential malfunctions.
4). Safety concerns: In some situations such as driving downhill, being in neutral can be unsafe as it removes engine braking, increasing reliance on the vehicle’s brakes, which can lead to overheating and reduced effectiveness.