Mercedes Mullins
Coasting, or driving with the clutch pedal held down or the car in neutral, is a common practice among motorists aiming to reduce their fuel consumption. While this technique may have improved fuel efficiency in older car models, modern technology has rendered it ineffective and, in some cases, even detrimental to fuel economy. The debate surrounding coasting in gear versus shifting to neutral has sparked numerous discussions and experiments among car enthusiasts, with varying conclusions depending on the specific driving situation and vehicle type.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Coasting downhill in neutral | Consumes more fuel and is dangerous |
| Coasting in neutral | Dangerous and burns more fuel |
| Coasting in gear | Better in the long run |
| Coasting with the clutch pedal held down or in neutral | Not illegal but can put you and other road users at risk |
| Coasting in gear vs coasting in neutral | Coasting in gear is more fuel-efficient |
| Coasting in a car with a manual transmission | Leads to the overuse of the throw-out bearing |
| Coasting in a car | Increases the load on the brakes |
| Coasting in neutral to gain speed | Should be done safely and within speed limits |
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What You'll Learn
Coasting in gear vs neutral
Coasting in gear is when the transmission is still engaged, and the computer detects acceleration without throttle being applied, so it cuts fuel to the engine. The engine is still running, but the drive line is turning it over instead of ignited air/fuel mixtures in the cylinders. This means that the engine is running without consuming any fuel. When the car slows to idle rpm, the fuel injection will start up again to keep the engine from stalling, and the car will start consuming fuel again.
Coasting in neutral, on the other hand, is when the car is taken out of gear, and the computer detects no throttle input or gear engagement, so it supplies enough fuel to the engine so it will idle. This means that the engine is idling and consuming just as much fuel as when it is idling in traffic or warming up. This is true whether the car is manual or automatic.
Coasting in gear is generally considered to be the better option. It is safer, as the driver can use the accelerator to avoid unexpected hazards, and the car handles better during sharp cornering maneuvers. It also saves more fuel, as the engine is not consuming any fuel while coasting.
However, some people argue that coasting in neutral can be better in certain situations, such as when coasting over multiple hills, as the car can build up enough speed to coast uphill. Additionally, coasting in gear can cause additional wear and tear on the engine and clutch from engine-braking. Some drivers also prefer to coast in neutral when coming to a stop, as it is easier than downshifting. Ultimately, the decision of whether to coast in gear or neutral depends on various factors, including the driver's preferences, the specific situation, and the type of car.
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Fuel economy
Coasting is defined as travelling with the clutch pedal held down or with the car in neutral. Many motorists believe that coasting saves fuel. While this may have been true for older car models, modern technology has made improvements that contradict this belief.
When a car is in gear and the driver is not engaging the accelerator, the computer will detect acceleration without throttle and will cut fuel to the engine. The engine is still running, but the drive line is turning it over as opposed to ignited air/fuel mixtures in the cylinders. On the other hand, when the car is taken out of gear, the computer will detect no throttle input or gear engagement and will supply fuel to the engine to keep it idling. Therefore, coasting in neutral uses more fuel than coasting in gear.
However, there are some scenarios where putting a car in neutral and coasting will return greater fuel efficiency. For example, if a driving route features several hills of various grades, putting the car in neutral will allow the car to build more momentum to tackle the hills. In this case, the car would carry less speed up to the next hill in gear, so the driver would need to accelerate, using more fuel.
Coasting is also considered a dangerous driving habit as it reduces control of the vehicle and hinders the driver's ability to react quickly to an emergency situation. Without the use of the engine, braking distance is dramatically increased, which not only wears the brakes unnecessarily but could also make the difference in preventing a collision.
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Safety concerns
Coasting, or driving in neutral, is a technique used by some drivers to save fuel. However, this technique can create several safety concerns. Firstly, when a car is in neutral, the engine is disengaged from the wheels, resulting in a loss of control over the vehicle. This makes it challenging to maintain a safe and steady speed, particularly when going downhill, as the car will pick up speed more quickly and go faster than if the engine was engaged. This loss of control can be dangerous when navigating corners or encountering unexpected hazards, as it becomes more difficult to manoeuvre or stop the vehicle.
Another safety concern with coasting is the increased reliance on brakes to control the vehicle's speed. Without engine braking, the brakes are under greater pressure and are more prone to overheating or excessive wear and tear. This can compromise the effectiveness of the brakes and increase the risk of accidents, especially when driving downhill or on steep grades.
Coasting can also lead to unintended acceleration and speed limit violations. When a car is in neutral, it can be challenging to maintain a constant speed, and the vehicle may continue to accelerate due to gravity and momentum. This can result in unintended speed limit violations, particularly on long downhill stretches or when approaching a red light.
In addition, coasting can create a dangerous situation in the event of an emergency. Without engine power, it may be difficult to accelerate suddenly to avoid a hazard or navigate around other road users. This reduced responsiveness can increase the risk of collisions or accidents.
Furthermore, coasting can be unsafe in electric vehicles (EVs). While it may be possible to coast in an EV, there is a risk of accidentally nudging the gear from neutral into reverse. Although modern EVs have safeguards against this, it is still a potential safety hazard.
Overall, while some drivers may believe that coasting can save fuel, it is important to consider the safety implications. Loss of control, increased reliance on brakes, unintended acceleration, and reduced responsiveness in emergencies are all safety concerns associated with coasting. Therefore, it is generally recommended to stay in gear and utilize engine braking to maintain control and optimize fuel efficiency.
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$694.95
Braking systems
Coasting, defined as travelling either with the clutch pedal held down or with the car in neutral, is a technique used by many motorists in the belief that it saves fuel. However, this technique can be dangerous as it reduces control of the vehicle and hinders the driver's ability to react to an emergency. Braking systems are also affected by coasting, as it can put excessive pressure on the rotors and transmission, leading to faster wear of the brake pads.
Engine braking is an alternative to coasting that provides better control and fuel efficiency. This technique involves leaving the car in gear and using the engine's natural resistance to control the car's speed. When the accelerator is released, the fuel supply to the engine is cut off, resulting in greater fuel efficiency. Additionally, engine braking reduces wear and tear on the brakes, as the driver is not relying on them as much to slow down.
In an emergency, engine braking allows for passive deceleration while providing full control to the driver. It also enables quicker acceleration if needed, as the engine remains engaged. In contrast, coasting in neutral can create a slight delay when re-engaging the gear, affecting the car's handling and steering.
While coasting in neutral may have saved fuel in older carburetor engines, modern cars with electronic fuel injection systems regulate fuel supply, making this technique ineffective. In modern cars with fuel injection, leaving the engine in gear while going downhill can result in greater fuel efficiency as the engine cuts off fuel injection, whereas putting the car in neutral requires fuel to keep the engine running at idle speed.
Overall, while coasting may give the impression of saving fuel, it is not recommended due to safety concerns and potential negative impacts on braking systems. Engine braking is a safer and more fuel-efficient alternative that provides better control and reduces wear and tear on brakes.
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Modern vs older car models
Coasting, or 'clutch coasting', is the process of driving a car downhill with either the clutch depressed or the gear stick in neutral. Some motorists opt for this technique in the hope of saving fuel. While coasting may have saved fuel in older car models, it does not do so in modern vehicles, which are equipped with ECUs.
Modern car models
In modern cars, coasting does not save fuel. This is because, even when the car is in neutral, the engine is still idling and consuming fuel. In fact, coasting may even increase fuel consumption. Modern cars with manual transmissions will cut off the fuel supply when the foot is taken off the accelerator, but only if the clutch is engaged and the wheels are moving the pistons through the transmission.
Coasting can also be dangerous. It hinders the driver's ability to react quickly in an emergency situation, as it reduces control of the vehicle. It also increases the load on the brakes, causing the vehicle's brake discs and pads to wear at a higher rate.
Older car models
In older cars and classic cars, coasting could save a small amount of fuel. This is because these vehicles did not have ECUs, which cut off the fuel supply when the car is in gear and the accelerator is not engaged. However, coasting in these vehicles was still potentially dangerous and could lead to costly repairs.
Overall, while coasting may have saved fuel in older car models, it is not effective in modern vehicles and could even be unsafe. Motorists should avoid coasting and stay in gear to maintain control of their vehicle and optimise fuel efficiency.
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Frequently asked questions
No, coasting downhill in neutral does not save fuel. In fact, it burns up more fuel and is also unsafe. When the car is in gear, the engine cuts the fuel injection, and the engine consumes no fuel. On the other hand, if the car is in neutral, the engine requires fuel to keep the vehicle idling.
Coasting does not affect the internal mechanics of the car. However, it does lead to the overuse of the throw-out bearing in manual cars. Coasting also increases the load on the brakes, causing vehicle brake discs and pads to wear out faster.
If your driving route has several hills of various grades, it is more fuel-efficient to coast in neutral to build more momentum. This will help you tackle a big hill, followed by a smaller one.
No, coasting is not illegal. However, it is considered a dangerous driving habit as it reduces control of the vehicle and hinders the driver's ability to react quickly in an emergency.
Coasting may have saved fuel in older car models. However, modern technology has made coasting likely to increase fuel consumption.
