What are coasting in neutral and coasting with clutch engaged in gear?

[Jake]

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.

[StMartin]

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.

[OAniyah]

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.

[MacAmy]

Coasting in neutral means shifting the transmission into the neutral position, allowing the car to glide relying on gravity. Coasting with the clutch depressed involves pressing the clutch pedal to disconnect the engine from the drivetrain while keeping the gear engaged, causing the engine speed to fluctuate during coasting. From a driving perspective, I find these two operations quite different but both should be avoided: coasting in neutral loses engine braking control, making it prone to loss of control; coasting with the clutch depressed may cause sudden acceleration when released, increasing risks. In practice, beginners often misuse these methods thinking they save fuel, but in reality, they waste more fuel and lead to premature clutch wear. The safest and most worry-free approach is to coast in gear, allowing the engine to naturally decelerate.

[AdelineDella]

When driving, I've dealt with the issues of coasting in neutral and coasting with the clutch pressed while in gear. The former is putting the car in neutral to let it roll without power, while the latter is pressing the clutch to maintain the gear but disconnecting the engine. Daily driving doesn't recommend these practices because they waste fuel and are dangerous, such as on long downhill slopes where the car might roll too fast, requiring emergency braking. I'm accustomed to always driving in gear to let the engine assist in braking and avoid overheating components. During every maintenance check, the mechanic advises against excessive coasting for the vehicle's well-being.

[StSienna]

Coasting in neutral refers to the vehicle moving forward by inertia with the gear in neutral, and the engine not driving the wheels. Coasting with the clutch depressed means pressing the clutch pedal to let the engine idle while keeping the gear unchanged. From a technical perspective: coasting in neutral completely disconnects the drivetrain, potentially saving more fuel; coasting with the clutch depressed partially disconnects the drivetrain but allows quicker recovery. Modern vehicles, due to ECU control, may consume more fuel during coasting and increase wear. When driving, I avoid these practices and opt for coasting in gear to protect the transmission system, reduce brake wear, and achieve better economy and safety.