No, you should not drive a car in neutral. While the car will roll, doing so is dangerous, offers no meaningful fuel savings in modern vehicles, and can lead to increased wear on your braking system. The practice, known as coasting, significantly reduces your control over the vehicle. The primary risk is the loss of engine braking, which is the natural resistance that helps slow the car when you lift your foot off the accelerator. Without it, you rely solely on the friction brakes, increasing stopping distances and the risk of brake fade on long downhill stretches.
Modern fuel-injected engines are designed to cut fuel flow completely when you're decelerating in gear. When you shift into neutral, the engine must idle to stay running, actually burning a small amount of fuel. Therefore, the idea that coasting in neutral saves gas is a myth for most cars built in the last 25-30 years.
From a mechanical standpoint, driving in neutral for extended periods isn't ideal. Many automatic transmissions rely on the engine being connected to the wheels to properly circulate transmission fluid for lubrication and cooling. Prolonged neutral coasting could theoretically lead to increased wear over time.
The only appropriate time to use neutral is when the car is stationary and idling for a short period. For safe and efficient driving, it's always best to keep the car in the appropriate drive gear.
| Aspect | Driving in Gear | Coasting in Neutral |
|---|
| Vehicle Control | High (engine braking active) | Low (no engine braking) |
| Safety | Safer, especially on hills | Dangerous, longer stopping distance |
| Fuel Efficiency | High (fuel flow cuts on deceleration) | Lower (engine idles, using fuel) |
| Brake Wear | Reduced (engine braking assists) | Increased (sole reliance on friction brakes) |
| Transmission | Normal operation | Potential lubrication issues (automatics) |
