Does Coasting Save Fuel in Cars?
2 Answers
Coasting in 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. Below is an introduction to the related content: Neutral Coasting in Cars: Neutral coasting in a car refers to shifting the gear lever or selector into the neutral position while the vehicle is in motion. Engaging neutral separates the clutch between the engine and the drive wheels, allowing the car to continue moving forward using the inertia generated by the engine. Downhill Sections: If a car coasts in neutral on a downhill slope, relying solely on brakes to control speed, this practice is extremely dangerous and poses significant safety risks. On long downhill stretches, the braking system may overheat, leading to brake failure. When the engine and transmission operate in sync, prolonged neutral coasting not only increases fuel consumption but also wears out the friction plates inside the transmission, causing certain damage to the transmission.
When I used to drive a manual transmission car, I also often thought about coasting in neutral to save fuel, since the engine RPM is lower in neutral. But now that cars are all electronic, coasting in gear is the real fuel saver—the engine cuts fuel completely, not a single drop is injected; when coasting in neutral, the engine is still idling and consuming fuel. Not only does it not save fuel, but coasting is also dangerous, as the braking distance increases, and you might not react in time if something happens. Safe driving should come first. After switching to coasting in gear, my fuel consumption dropped by about ten percent, and there's less brake pad wear, making the drive more stable. Don’t overlook maintenance either—keeping tire pressure optimal helps save fuel, so why take the risk of coasting in neutral?