Is pressing the clutch for more than 5 seconds considered coasting in neutral?
4 Answers
During the test, if the car clutch is pressed for 5 seconds without any other accompanying operations, it will be treated as coasting in neutral. Here is more relevant information: 1. Key points of the Subject 3 test: The Subject 3 test involves frequent gear changes. You must press the brake when encountering road signs, red lights, temporary roadside parking, and entering pedestrian crossings. Pressing the brake requires pressing the clutch first. However, the Subject 3 test requires the student to stop the car immediately when intending to brake. This is a test and differs somewhat from real-world driving on the road. Gear shifting also involves pressing the clutch first and then decisively shifting gears without hesitation or keeping the clutch pressed continuously. Avoid the habit of always resting your foot on the clutch pedal. Every part of the test car is equipped with sensors and probes, and all your operations are recorded at all times. If the clutch is pressed for 5 seconds without any other operation, it will be judged as a test failure. 2. Difficulties in the Subject 3 test: Mismatch between speed and gear. You need to be aware of the errors of high gear at low speed and low gear at high speed during the test drive. Before shifting gears, you must increase or decrease the speed to match the gear, and then switch gears! During driving, remember to glance at the speedometer every eight seconds to prevent such errors.
As a long-time manual transmission driver, I've encountered many people misunderstanding whether pressing the clutch counts as coasting. Depressing the clutch pedal for more than 5 seconds isn't true neutral coasting; it merely temporarily disconnects the engine from the transmission while the gearbox remains engaged in a gear, allowing the car to move by inertia. In contrast, neutral coasting actively shifts to the N position, letting the vehicle roll completely freely. I once tried prolonged clutch depression, which resulted in accelerated clutch disc wear, requiring replacement in less than a year. Moreover, this practice saves little fuel in urban traffic jams and may instead lead to loss of brake or steering control as the power assist systems lose engine power. Remember: For fuel-saving coasting, shift to neutral. Use the clutch only briefly for starting or gear changes to ensure safety and vehicle longevity.
Having worked in the frontline of automotive repair for years, I've witnessed countless clutch failure cases. Depressing the clutch for over 5 seconds absolutely doesn't count as coasting in neutral; it merely interrupts power while the transmission gear remains engaged. True neutral coasting requires manually shifting the lever to the neutral position. The core issue lies with the clutch assembly: prolonged clutch depression causes the release bearing to overheat, pressure plate deformation, and can even burn out the entire system. Owners often mistakenly believe this saves fuel, when in reality the wear costs are higher. This maneuver becomes even more dangerous during downhill coasting as the power steering pump stops, making vehicle control difficult. Recommendations: Shift to neutral when coasting, limit clutch depression to under 3 seconds, and regularly check clutch fluid to prevent major overhauls.
As a beginner in manual transmission, I pondered this question right after learning to drive. Pressing the clutch for more than 5 seconds is not coasting in neutral; neutral is when the gearshift is in the N position. Pressing the clutch only disengages the engine, while the gear remains engaged. I think this operation might seem easier, but it could make steering heavier and braking less effective, especially when coasting at high speeds, which can be a bit scary. A friend recommended some online fuel-saving techniques, but continuously pressing the clutch wears out the clutch plate, and the repair costs might outweigh the savings. Coasting itself can save some fuel, but it's better to shift to neutral before doing so. Pay more attention to driving habits and avoid relying on the clutch pedal for extended periods.
