Is Coasting in Neutral Gear Good?

[OEvelyn]

According to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the official fuel consumption of the Ruifeng S4 is 7.1L per 100 kilometers. However, based on data provided by actual owners, the real-world fuel consumption of the Jianghuai S4 is around 9L. The Ruifeng S4 is equipped with two four-cylinder engines: a 1.5T turbocharged engine and a 1.6L naturally aspirated engine. Compared to other vehicles in its class, the fuel consumption of this car is relatively high. The factors affecting a car's fuel consumption are as follows: 1. Engine displacement, fuel technology, vehicle weight, road conditions, and driving habits. 2. It is advisable to avoid opening windows while driving, as wind resistance can also have a certain impact on fuel consumption. During driving, it is inevitable to encounter congested road conditions, such as waiting at traffic lights in urban areas. Frequent acceleration and deceleration while following other vehicles are unavoidable, and under these circumstances, the car's fuel consumption tends to be slightly higher. It is important to note that prolonged idling can lead to carbon buildup, which has a significant impact on the vehicle itself. Additionally, the use of low-quality engine oil may contribute to this issue, not only affecting fuel consumption but also potentially damaging the car's engine.

[MacDamian]

I've been driving for over a decade, and I think coasting in neutral is quite unreliable. Although some people claim it saves a bit of fuel and feels smooth when coasting on flat roads, in real-world experience, once you shift to neutral, engine braking disappears entirely. If you encounter a downhill slope or an emergency where you need to slow down, the car becomes like a runaway horse—extremely difficult to control. I once tried it briefly on the highway and felt the speed surged too quickly, forcing me to slam on the brakes, which actually made it less safe. Moreover, most modern cars have intelligent electronic control systems; coasting in gear may automatically cut off fuel supply, making it more fuel-efficient. From a safety perspective, I recommend driving in gear as much as possible, especially on rainy days or mountain roads, to avoid regrettable accidents. If you really want to save fuel, maintaining your tires and checking tire pressure is a more practical approach.

[McHazel]

I've always been concerned about car fuel efficiency. Coasting in neutral seems like it could save fuel, but the actual effect is quite limited. Modern fuel-injected engines still need to keep running at idle when in neutral, consuming almost the same amount of fuel. On the other hand, when coasting in gear, if the RPM is high enough, the system may cut off fuel supply, resulting in zero fuel consumption during coasting. I've tried short-distance coasting before highway exits, and the fuel consumption only decreased slightly, but safety was significantly compromised—engine braking fails, braking distance increases, and the risk of rear-end collisions rises. I recommend checking your car's manual, as some designs are not suitable for neutral coasting. In the long run, maintaining a steady speed and avoiding sudden braking is more effective, combined with engine mode settings like ECO mode, which is more reliable.

[LaJesse]

I think coasting in neutral is too dangerous and not worth trying. Once you shift into neutral, you lose engine braking and rely solely on the brake system, making it easy to lose control on steep slopes or sharp turns. I've experienced driving in snowy conditions where the car skidded while coasting and nearly caused an accident. Safety comes first—keeping the car in gear provides stable control and reduces the risk of accidents. Develop good habits in daily driving: gently press the accelerator and anticipate road conditions.

[OHarrison]

I used to coast in gear while driving, thinking neutral could save some money. Once I tried coasting in neutral for a few minutes in the city, but the fuel consumption meter showed no change, and the steering felt light and unstable. Later, I learned that in neutral, the engine can't assist with deceleration, increasing brake pressure and wearing out brake pads faster. Now I only coast briefly on very flat roads and focus more on maintaining tire pressure and cleaning carbon deposits to save fuel. Overall, driving should be smooth, and neutral should be used sparingly.

[VeraLee]

From a mechanical perspective, coasting in neutral is not vehicle-friendly. When in neutral, engine speed fluctuates significantly, increasing transmission wear and potentially affecting the lubrication system. Modern engines are designed to operate more stably in gear. Keeping the vehicle in gear while coasting helps protect components. I recommend regularly checking transmission fluid and maintaining the braking system. Minimize coasting to avoid potential issues.