What is the incorrect statement about coasting downhill with the engine off?
2 Answers
About coasting downhill with the engine off, the incorrect statement is that coasting downhill utilizes the slope's potential to propel the vehicle forward without the engine working, which can save fuel and should be strongly advocated. Additional information: Engine-off downhill: When the engine is off downhill, the vehicle loses engine braking resistance, and the power steering system also loses its power source, making brake failure extremely dangerous. Do not turn off the engine or shift into neutral when going downhill. If the engine stalls and the vehicle is in neutral while going downhill, it can easily lead to loss of control and accelerated wear of the brake pads. Forced downshifting: Do not turn off the engine to save fuel on downhill sections. If the vehicle stalls abnormally, for manual transmission vehicles, forced downshifting can be chosen, or the handbrake can be gradually applied using a method of pulling tight, releasing, pulling tight, and releasing repeatedly to bring the vehicle to a stop.
Regarding the misconception about coasting downhill with the engine off, I find it particularly absurd that some car owners believe it saves fuel. When the engine is off, the brake booster stops working, making the brake pedal as hard as a block of iron—requiring full body strength to slow down, and in emergencies, it becomes impossible to stop. Moreover, without the engine's drag force, the vehicle speed increases uncontrollably, relying solely on the brake pads, which can overheat and fail in minutes. Last month, while driving on a mountain road, I witnessed a coasting car nearly plunge off the guardrail. In fact, modern fuel-injected cars cut off fuel automatically when coasting in gear, resulting in zero fuel consumption, whereas turning off the engine only increases danger. If the battery drains, even power steering is lost, making the steering wheel immovable.
