Does Coasting a Car Save Fuel?
3 Answers
Coasting a car does not save fuel. Coasting refers to shifting the gear lever or gear position into neutral while the car is in motion. Engaging neutral disconnects the engine from the driven wheels' clutch, allowing the car to continue moving forward using the engine's inertia. If the car coasts in neutral on a downhill slope and relies solely on braking to control speed, this practice is extremely dangerous and poses significant safety risks. On long downhill sections, the braking system may overheat, leading to brake failure. The engine and transmission operate in sync, and prolonged coasting in neutral increases fuel consumption, damages the friction plates inside the transmission, and causes certain harm to the transmission.
In my years of driving experience, coasting indeed saves fuel, especially when coasting in gear. The engine stops injecting fuel, consuming almost none, which is particularly noticeable when coasting downhill or on gentle slopes. I always release the accelerator well before highway exits, letting the car glide on inertia, and the fuel gauge drops much slower. Over time, this has saved me a significant amount of money. However, avoid coasting in neutral as the engine idles and burns fuel wastefully, plus it puts extra strain on the brakes, risking overheating. For safety, I only coast briefly on clear roads with good visibility and light traffic. After adopting this habit, my monthly fuel costs dropped by about 10%, but it's important to monitor the car's condition to prevent wear and tear.
As a car enthusiast, I've found the key to fuel-saving while coasting lies in engine braking. Modern vehicles automatically cut fuel supply when coasting in gear, allowing the car to move forward by inertia with instant zero fuel consumption. For example, when you coast on a level road without pressing the accelerator, the system intelligently saves fuel for you. However, coasting in neutral still burns fuel at idle speed, which isn't economical at all. I think this technology is really cool. Combined with the start-stop system, trying coasting during daily commutes can reduce fuel consumption by 10%-20%. Of course, don't try coasting downhill, or the brakes might fail. Beginners can practice short coasting for a few seconds on safe road sections and will naturally benefit once accustomed.
