Does Coasting in Neutral Save Fuel?

[BraydenLynn]

Coasting in neutral does not save fuel. Coasting in neutral refers to the operation method where the driver shifts the gear lever to the neutral position while the vehicle is moving, disengaging the clutch between the engine and the drive wheels, and relying on the vehicle's inertia to move. Coasting in neutral can easily cause the vehicle to stall, which is not beneficial for the car's engine. Methods to ensure safe driving: 1. Check the vehicle's condition and avoid driving with potential hazards; 2. Fasten the seatbelt and enhance safety awareness; 3. Avoid driving while fatigued; 4. Do not drink and drive; 5. Pay attention to road conditions in bad weather; 6. Handle any unexpected situations on the road properly; 7. Observe traffic rules and avoid rushing; 8. While driving, ensure not to overload, overspeed, or carry excess passengers.

[LeEvangeline]

I remember when I first started driving, I also wondered if coasting in neutral could save fuel, thinking the engine consumes less at idle. But that's not actually the case. Once on the highway, I tried it—coasted for several kilometers while watching the fuel gauge, and the fuel consumption was much higher than coasting in gear. Modern engines with ECU control can't completely shut off the fuel supply in neutral; they still inject fuel to maintain operation, which consumes more fuel than coasting in gear, where the fuel supply is automatically cut off. What's worse, it causes significant wear on the transmission. After coasting in neutral a few times in my old car, the clutch plates developed issues, costing me thousands to repair. Since then, I've never dared to coast recklessly again—I'd rather drive slower, prioritizing safety and saving money. In the end, coasting in gear is the right approach, especially on downhill sections where it helps control speed more reliably.

[McMatthew]

I think coasting in neutral to save fuel is a big misconception, which I've verified myself while driving a manual transmission car. When the engine is in neutral, it maintains idle speed, and the computer continuously injects fuel to prevent stalling, naturally increasing fuel consumption. On the other hand, when coasting in gear, the ECU detects that the wheel speed is higher than the engine speed and automatically cuts off fuel supply, allowing the engine to rotate solely driven by the wheels, resulting in almost zero fuel consumption. This not only saves fuel but also protects the transmission gears. Additionally, manual transmission cars are simpler to operate, while automatic transmissions rely more on computer control, and coasting in neutral may lead to transmission overheating or brake failure. I recommend developing the habit of coasting in gear when decelerating and avoiding prolonged idling. Remember, the fuel savings from safe driving far outweigh these small tricks.

[LaKayden]

From my experience in car repairs, coasting in neutral definitely does not save fuel; instead, it's dangerous. The engine requires fuel supply to maintain idle when in neutral, unlike when in gear where the wheels can help drag the engine to cut off fuel. More critically, the braking distance increases, and in emergencies, the engine can't assist in slowing down, making the vehicle prone to losing control. Common consequences include faster brake pad wear or increased transmission oil temperature, with repair costs enough to buy many tanks of fuel. Many people try it to save a little fuel but end up losing more than they gain. I recommend always keeping the car in gear while driving, especially in urban areas or on steep slopes. Simply put, safety first, fuel efficiency is secondary.