Is Coasting in Neutral Gear Good?
3 Answers
Coasting in neutral gear is not advisable. It not only fails to achieve fuel-saving effects but also causes significant wear and tear on components such as the clutch and gears. More importantly, coasting in neutral poses substantial safety risks. When the gear shift lever is placed in neutral for coasting, the drive wheels lose their driving force, and the power connection between the engine and the drive wheels is severed. The vehicle relies solely on its own inertia to move forward. In the event of an emergency requiring braking, the entire braking force must be provided by the braking system alone. This demands that the brakes supply a considerable amount of braking force within a very short period, yet the braking system's capacity to provide such force is limited.
I remember when I was young, I often coasted in neutral, thinking it would save fuel. Later, I learned that this was wrong. In neutral, the engine doesn't provide braking, relying entirely on the braking system. If you encounter a long downhill, the brake discs may overheat and fail—how dangerous! Modern cars have fuel injection technology; coasting in gear can actually cut off fuel supply, truly saving fuel. From my over 20 years of driving experience, developing the habit of coasting in gear is safer and more reliable, especially on highways or slippery roads, maintaining strong control. Occasionally coasting on small sections might be fine, but it's not recommended long-term. Once an accident happens, regret will be too late.
As a daily commuter who drives every day, I've tested coasting in neutral and found it doesn't save money at all. The engine still consumes fuel at idle, whereas fuel is cut off when coasting in gear, wasting resources for nothing. According to some data, coasting in neutral consumes about 5% more fuel per 100 kilometers on average. These small amounts add up and make it uneconomical. Developing good habits like using engine braking more often can reduce brake wear and save some money. Always pay attention to road condition changes and anticipate in advance to avoid emergencies.
