What are coasting in neutral and coasting with clutch engaged in gear?
3 Answers
Coasting in neutral and coasting with clutch engaged in gear are different driving techniques. Below are the specific details: 1. Coasting in neutral: During vehicle operation, the driver shifts the gear lever to the neutral position, separating the engine from the drive wheels via the clutch, allowing the vehicle to move by inertia. Coasting in neutral must be performed under conditions that ensure safety and normal vehicle technical status. Engine-off coasting is prohibited, especially when descending steep or long slopes, where neither engine-off nor neutral coasting is allowed. 2. Coasting with clutch engaged in gear: When coasting with the gear engaged and the foot off the accelerator pedal, the engine speed rapidly drops to idle speed. The throttle position sensor detects this signal and transmits it to the computer, which then controls the fuel injector's pulse width according to the designed idle conditions to maintain the engine at idle speed.
Coasting in neutral means shifting the gear lever to neutral while driving, allowing the car to glide by inertia without pressing the accelerator, so the engine rests and provides no power. On the other hand, coasting in gear with the clutch depressed involves pressing the clutch pedal to disconnect the engine from the drive wheels while keeping the gear in its original position, such as third gear. In this case, the engine idles during coasting, feeling like it's suspended in mid-air. Many people used these methods in the past to try to save fuel, thinking that if the engine isn't working hard, it consumes less fuel. However, modern cars may actually use more fuel due to differences in electronic control systems. When I first started driving, I also tried coasting in neutral and found it particularly dangerous on downhill slopes—the car would speed up uncontrollably, putting more pressure on the brakes and increasing the risk of losing control. So now, I've learned to keep the gear in drive and use engine braking for safer and more reliable deceleration. Remember, any coasting operation increases risk, and you must avoid being unable to react in emergencies.
In my years of driving experience, coasting in neutral and coasting with the clutch depressed in gear are techniques often mentioned by veteran drivers. The former involves shifting to neutral to let the car roll freely, while the latter means depressing the clutch while keeping the gear unchanged. I used to employ these tricks when driving older cars downhill to save a bit of fuel, giving the engine a breather and saving some money. However, the key is to operate with caution. For instance, braking distance may increase when coasting in neutral, and releasing the clutch pedal during clutch-depressed coasting might cause the car to lurch forward, increasing the risk of accidents. With modern cars equipped with fuel injection, these methods may not be more economical; instead, they could use more fuel and accelerate component wear. Nowadays, I recommend engine braking by coasting in gear, which is both safer and protects the vehicle's systems. After all, safety comes first when driving, and these small tricks are no match for following the rules and driving properly.
