What is the difference between coasting with the clutch pressed and coasting in neutral?

[OLucy]

The differences between coasting with the clutch pressed and coasting in neutral are as follows: 1. When coasting in neutral: The engine power is completely disconnected from the transmission. When coasting with the clutch pressed, the power is disconnected—pressing the clutch disengages it, releasing the clutch engages it, and partially releasing it results in a semi-engaged state. 2. From a safety perspective: Coasting in gear is better because the engine provides some level of resistance. Braking while coasting in gear offers much better braking performance compared to pressing the clutch and then braking. For short durations and under safe conditions, using the clutch for control is acceptable, but prolonged clutch pressing can damage the release bearing. Additionally, shifting back into gear after being in neutral might fail, preventing the use of engine braking. On downhill slopes, prolonged use of the brakes alone can cause them to overheat and fail, whereas engine braking helps assist in vehicle deceleration.

[CassidyMarie]

Coasting with the clutch depressed means keeping your foot on the clutch pedal to disconnect the engine from the transmission while leaving the gear engaged. Neutral coasting involves shifting the gear lever to neutral, completely cutting off power. I think the most crucial difference lies in safety. When coasting with the clutch depressed, if an emergency arises where acceleration is needed—such as when the vehicle ahead slows down or when going uphill—I can quickly release the clutch to restore power, and the car responds immediately. In contrast, neutral coasting requires shifting back into gear, wasting precious seconds and increasing the risk of accidents. When descending a steep hill in neutral, the car loses engine braking entirely and relies solely on the brakes to slow down, which causes faster wear on the brake pads. I once experienced an emergency brake situation while coasting on a mountain road, and the clutch-depressed method saved me. Remember, safe driving always comes first—especially in bad weather or at night—so it’s best to avoid neutral coasting.

[LeIsabelle]

When it comes to coasting fuel economy, I've personally tested many models. Coasting with the clutch pressed may stop fuel injection (depending on whether the car has fuel cut-off function), theoretically saving more fuel; while coasting in neutral keeps the engine idling and consuming fuel. But in urban areas with frequent traffic lights, coasting in neutral makes stopping easier without frequent gear changes, which feels more relaxed and comfortable. Many new cars now have intelligent systems, so coasting in neutral doesn't necessarily waste fuel—it depends on the specific car's ECU settings. When driving a manual, I prefer pressing the clutch for short-distance coasting, and only shift to neutral for long downhill stretches when considering fuel efficiency. Overall, the fuel-saving effect is minimal—don't overthink it. Staying focused on speed control while driving is more important.

[StAva]

From a mechanical perspective, coasting with the clutch pedal pressed disengages the clutch, cutting off power transmission while the transmission gears remain engaged; coasting in neutral completely disconnects the gear linkage. This difference affects engine braking effectiveness: in neutral, the engine doesn't restrain the vehicle speed, causing faster downhill coasting that requires heavier brake application. I recall car modification enthusiasts often warn that frequent clutch-coasting wears the clutch discs, while neutral coasting causes relatively less wear but offers no benefit to the transmission. Some automatic transmission systems prohibit neutral coasting to prevent component damage. Ultimately, understanding basic mechanical principles helps me make better driving decisions in daily situations.

[McCaleb]

After driving for so many years, my experience is that coasting with the clutch pressed provides quicker response, making it suitable for congested urban roads where sudden acceleration helps keep up with traffic flow. Neutral coasting is more relaxed, allowing you to avoid constantly pressing the pedal when stopped at red lights or waiting at intersections. However, when coasting in neutral, you have to shift back into gear when the light turns green, which wastes time and can be awkward. I think occasional coasting on highways or flat roads is fine, but don't rely on it to save fuel because the difference is negligible. Always remember to control your coasting distance to avoid unexpected situations.