Does coasting in neutral damage a manual transmission car?

[Wright]

Coasting in neutral does damage a manual transmission car. Definition of coasting in neutral: Coasting in neutral refers to the operation method where, while the vehicle is in motion, the driver shifts the gear lever to the neutral position, disengaging the clutch between the engine and the drive wheels, allowing the vehicle to move by inertia. Hazards of coasting in neutral with a manual transmission: Damage to the braking system: Prolonged coasting in neutral, such as when descending a hill, causes the vehicle speed to increase due to gravitational assistance, necessitating frequent brake application. Continuous braking raises the temperature of the braking system, eventually causing the brake fluid to vaporize. Damage to the braking mechanism: Similar to "engine braking" when descending hills, the vehicle's drivetrain utilizes internal resistance (through friction plates coupling the engine and transmission) to control speed, which effectively acts as an internal brake at high speeds. Safety hazards: When two vehicles are close together and the leading vehicle stops suddenly in an emergency, if the following vehicle is coasting in neutral, it must rely entirely on its wheel braking system, significantly increasing the likelihood of a rear-end collision.

[MacRafael]

I've driven manual transmission cars for decades and seen plenty of risks with coasting in neutral. Many people think it saves fuel, but in reality, modern cars with computer control might actually be more fuel-efficient when coasting in gear because the engine can automatically cut fuel supply. The main issue is safety - when going downhill or coasting with the engine disconnected from the wheels, you're relying solely on brakes. This puts tremendous pressure on the braking system, making it prone to overheating and failure. In emergency situations, delayed reactions can lead to frequent collisions. While there's no immediate damage to the engine or transmission, long-term neutral coasting can cause insufficient lubrication pressure, increased wear, and shortened component lifespan. I recommend developing the habit of coasting in gear - it protects your vehicle and ensures safety, especially when driving on mountain roads where this technique can be lifesaving.

[McCarson]

I've been driving a manual transmission car for five years for my daily commute. At first, I tried coasting in neutral to save fuel, but upon careful calculation, I found it actually wasn't cost-effective. Most new cars have electronic fuel injection systems, where coasting in gear cuts off fuel injection completely (zero fuel consumption), while coasting in neutral still burns fuel at idle speed. This could cost me dozens of yuan more in fuel each month. In terms of vehicle damage, short-distance coasting has minimal impact, but prolonged downhill coasting causes unstable engine temperatures, potentially leading to carbon buildup and affecting emissions. Additionally, brake wear accelerates, increasing maintenance costs. The biggest safety concern is that coasting in urban traffic makes it harder to brake in time, increasing rear-end collision risks. I've now switched to coasting in gear—it's both economical and safer.

[DeJake]

I've been repairing cars for ten years, and coasting in neutral with a manual transmission doesn't directly damage the engine or clutch. The transmission is designed to handle it, but the lubrication system operates at lower oil pressure during idle speeds. Prolonged downhill coasting can accelerate engine wear, potentially reducing its lifespan by up to a decade. The main risk lies in safety—without engine braking during coasting, brakes can overheat and lead to loss of control. Most accident vehicles I've repaired stem from this issue. It's also less economical for the car; coasting in gear is actually better.