Why Shouldn't You Coast in Neutral While Driving?
2 Answers
The reasons why coasting in neutral while driving is not recommended: 1. When coasting in neutral, the vehicle's braking force decreases, which can easily lead to rear-end collisions. 2. In neutral, the connection between the engine and the drive wheels is lost, and the car moves forward solely by inertia. In case of an emergency requiring braking, all braking force must be provided by the brakes alone. 3. Coasting in neutral can cause the engine to stall, leading to failure of the brake booster and reduced braking performance. 4. Remember two key points: first, never coast in neutral when driving down a steep slope, and second, avoid coasting in neutral at high speeds.
As an experienced driver who frequently navigates mountain roads, I particularly want to emphasize how dangerous coasting in neutral really is. The main issue is that once shifted into neutral, the vehicle relies entirely on brakes for deceleration, losing the natural assistance of engine braking. On steep slopes or slippery surfaces, the car is prone to uncontrolled coasting, and braking distances in emergencies become longer, potentially leading to rear-end collisions or accidents. Another point is that modern car designs automatically cut off fuel when coasting in gear, making it more fuel-efficient; whereas in neutral, the engine has to idle, consuming more fuel. I've never done this—I always maintain gear position while driving to ensure safety comes first.
