Does Coasting with the Clutch Pedal Pressed in Gear Damage the Car?
2 Answers
Coasting with the clutch pedal pressed in gear can damage the car. It accelerates bearing wear and may even reduce the transmission's lifespan. Here are some additional details: Damage Mechanism: Most modern car clutches are dry-type and lack lubrication. When the clutch pedal is pressed, the clutch disc operates between the driving and driven plates, managing their speed difference. The clutch release bearing remains in motion, directing power to the bearings, which accelerates wear. Over time, this can lead to bearing failure. When to Press the Clutch in Gear: There are situations where pressing the clutch while in gear is necessary, such as during emergencies or severe traffic congestion. The main advantage of this technique is that releasing the clutch instantly engages the gear, allowing immediate response in unexpected situations.
I've been driving manual transmission cars for over a decade and often encounter situations where I coast with the clutch depressed while in gear. Based on my driving experience, this basically doesn't harm the vehicle. When the clutch is depressed, the engine and wheels are disconnected, allowing the car to coast on inertia while the engine only operates at idle speed, placing no additional burden on the engine or transmission. There's minor wear on the clutch system, mainly from the bearing pressure when the pressure plate disengages, but the impact of short coasting periods is negligible. Some people think this can save a bit of fuel, but the actual effect is almost insignificant, especially with modern car management systems. Safety-wise, it's important to note that coasting downhill can lead to unstable control and weaker braking effectiveness, so I recommend only doing it occasionally on gentle roads and not making it a frequent habit, as it might slightly reduce clutch disc lifespan over time. In short, reasonable use is fine, but don't risk it just to save fuel.
