Does Coasting a Car Save Fuel?
1 Answers
Coasting a car does not save fuel. Whether it's an automatic or manual transmission vehicle, coasting in neutral not only fails to conserve fuel but also damages the car's transmission. Coasting in neutral refers to shifting the gear lever or selector into the neutral position while the car is in motion. Engaging neutral separates the clutch between the engine and the drive wheels, allowing the car to continue moving forward using the engine's inertia. If a car coasts in neutral on a downhill slope, relying solely on brakes to control speed, this practice is highly dangerous and poses significant safety risks. On long downhill stretches, the braking system may overheat, leading to brake failure. The engine and transmission operate in sync, and prolonged coasting in neutral not only increases fuel consumption but also wears out the friction plates inside the transmission, causing certain damage to the transmission.