What is Neutral Coasting?

[McFinley]

Neutral coasting refers to the driving technique where the driver shifts the gear lever into the neutral position while the vehicle is in motion, disengaging the clutch between the engine and the drive wheels, allowing the vehicle to move by inertia. Similar to the engine state at idle, no torque is output, and no power is generated. The fuel injection system continues to supply fuel to the engine to maintain its minimum operating state. Neutral coasting is commonly used in manual transmission vehicles. Manual transmission cars require frequent gear changes during driving, providing many opportunities for neutral coasting. In contrast, automatic transmission vehicles generally do not engage in neutral coasting, as they remain in the D (Drive) gear during operation and do not require gear shifting. Neutral coasting can easily cause the vehicle to stall and may damage the engine. It should only be performed when safety and the vehicle's technical condition are ensured. It is not recommended to stall or coast in neutral when descending steep or long slopes. If the vehicle is put into neutral coasting on a long downhill slope and speed is controlled solely by braking, the braking system may overheat and suddenly fail, leading to accidents. The correct approach is to select an appropriate gear based on the actual speed, allowing the engine to assist in braking, with occasional use of brakes. This method ensures safety and extends the lifespan of the braking system.

[Calvin]

After driving for decades, I believe coasting in neutral means shifting the gear to the neutral position while driving, allowing the car to glide forward by inertia without engine power. Some people, especially experienced drivers, think this can save a bit of fuel, especially when coasting toward traffic lights or downhill without pressing the accelerator. However, based on my experience, this poses significant risks in practice. Once in neutral, engine braking is lost, significantly reducing braking effectiveness, making it harder to stop in emergencies. Modern cars mostly use electronic fuel injection systems, and coasting in neutral may actually consume more fuel because the engine still needs to supply fuel while idling. I recommend avoiding this practice for convenience. Instead, keep the gear engaged and use engine braking to assist with deceleration, which is safer when going downhill or in heavy traffic.

[VanAyla]

I remember being a bit confused when I first heard about coasting in neutral. Later, I looked it up myself and understood that it basically means driving along, shifting to neutral for manual transmissions (you can't just shift automatics randomly), and letting the vehicle coast forward. Some people claim this saves fuel, especially with older car models like those from the carburetor era where it might offer slight savings. However, when I tried it once after starting to drive, coasting on neighborhood roads made the steering feel unnervingly light, and the brakes responded with a noticeable delay. My instructor immediately warned me how dangerous this practice is—particularly on long downhill sections without engine braking, where you risk losing control or skidding. With modern car designs being so advanced, this maneuver not only makes fuel savings unlikely but could also damage transmission components. That's why I've never adopted this risky habit.

[MacKennedy]

From a safety perspective, coasting in neutral refers to shifting into neutral while driving and relying solely on the vehicle's weight to glide. I consider this a high-risk driving habit because shifting to neutral instantly eliminates engine braking assistance, resulting in longer braking distances and significantly increasing the probability of accidents during emergency maneuvers or downhill driving. Given the frequent traffic congestion in modern road conditions, this practice easily leads to rear-end collisions or skidding. I recommend drivers always avoid coasting in neutral. Whether driving manual or automatic transmission vehicles, maintaining the gear in drive mode and using throttle control for deceleration is far more reliable.