Whats better...coasting in neutral or in gear??

skiddy2k

hi all,
one question, im aware that coasting is dangerous and you dont have much control of your car and of braking when you're coasting, however, many people say (including jeremy clarkson) that if you coast , you should do it in neutral because your car isnt needing any fuel to keep it turning.
But, a mechanic told me that if you coast, you should do it in gear with your foot down on the clutch pedal.

Now, im a little bit confused with whats better, would like to hear everyone else recommends.
(apart from...its dangerous, you should stop doing it totally!! haha!)

Also, do people feel that it depends on whether you should coast in gear or in neutral depending on the age of the car??

would appreciate the feedback,
Cheers,

foreverskint

If you had the car in gear with your foot on the clutch you would eventually burn out the clutch. Not advisable to ride the clutch

Woby_Tide

also whilst coasting your alternator isn't generating any power so make sure you've a good battery if you have the radio/aircon/heating on

trafalgar_2

I would guess at neutral but ................... I've never done it of course:rolleyes:

Dave_G_5

Coasting in gear with your foot on the clutch will cause more wear to the clutch, but it will also be quicker to regain control of the car if you need to.

Also, your car is still using fuel when the engine is idling, however if you were decelerating normally (ie in gear) then most modern engine management systems cut the fuel to the engine to the absolute minimum to help fuel consumption figures, though the extra drag will slow you down quicker than if you were in neutral.

I would just drive normally and not bother coasting unless it was in slow moving heavy traffic.

bluebluemooner

If you have a modern car, as opposed to a classic, then do not coast. The engine management computer will stop fuel to the engine under deceleration as the wheels are effectively turning the engine. So driving down a hill with your foot off the accelerator and a gear engaged will use no fuel,. However, if you depressed the clutch and coasted down the hill the engine must still use fuel to keep turning at idle.