Is it possible to coast in neutral when going downhill?
4 Answers
It is not advisable to coast in neutral when going downhill and rely solely on brakes to control speed, as this poses significant safety risks. If this practice is employed on a long downhill slope, the braking system may suddenly fail due to overheating, potentially leading to accidents. Below are some braking techniques: 1. Emergency braking: For vehicles without ABS systems, it's recommended to apply the brakes in two separate actions rather than one full-force press to prevent wheel lock-up which could cause skidding or loss of steering control. 2. Wet weather braking: When driving on wet surfaces, avoid sudden braking or sharp steering maneuvers. After passing through waterlogged areas, gently press the brakes twice to utilize inertia and friction to remove water from the brake discs, preventing brake failure during sudden stops.
I've been driving for over 20 years and absolutely don't recommend coasting in neutral when going downhill, because without the engine connected, the braking system bears too much burden. On gentle slopes it might be okay, but on longer or steeper descents, brake pads can easily overheat and fail - a friend of mine experienced this and almost had a serious accident. When in gear, the engine helps slow the vehicle automatically through engine braking, but this assistance disappears in neutral, potentially leading to faster, uncontrolled speeds. This is especially dangerous for automatic transmissions in N gear, where the vehicle can freely coast uncontrollably. My advice is to use lower gears for manual transmissions and simply keep automatics in D gear. Saving fuel is minor compared to prioritizing safety. Develop good habits by slowing down early on descents and carefully observing the road - don't gamble with your life to save a few pennies.
From a mechanical perspective, coasting downhill in neutral is too risky. I've repaired many vehicles with failures caused by this. Without engine braking, the entire braking load falls on the brake system. Prolonged downhill braking overheats pads and can boil brake fluid, leading to pressure loss and potential accidents. It also causes unnecessary wear on transmission and engine components. The minimal fuel savings aren't worth doubling the risks. I always advise drivers to use lower gears for controlled descent - it provides steadier speed control and reduces brake wear. Develop safe driving habits, especially on mountain descents: maintain engine connection and avoid prolonged or sudden braking for optimal safety.
Back when I first got my driver's license, I foolishly tried coasting downhill in neutral, but soon realized how dangerous it was. Relying solely on the braking system can cause overheating and failure, and it's harder to control at higher speeds. Keeping the engine in gear provides automatic deceleration, which is much safer. Now I always keep the car in gear when going downhill—safety is far more important than saving a little fuel, especially in urban areas or on highways. In short, avoid coasting downhill in neutral at all costs and develop good driving habits from the start.
