Driving in neutral saves fuel

On this blog, we have already shared useful tips for saving fuel. Another widely repeated tip, more of an urban myth than genuine and effective advice, is to drive in neutral. It is sometimes recommended when going downhill or when slowing down as you approach a traffic light or stop sign.

False and dangerous

This tip for supposedly saving petrol is completely false. Driving without a gear engaged is reckless and can create very dangerous situations, as the driver has less control over the vehicle.

An engine in neutral continues to consume fuel, running at idle and preventing the car from stalling, for example. With a gear engaged, the wheels and transmission help drive the engine, reducing the need to use as much fuel.

Neutral / dead weight

Driving without engaging any gear poses a serious road safety risk, whether on motorways, dual carriageways or interurban roads. When driving in neutral, for example downhill, the vehicle gains greater momentum as it is propelled by its own weight. This makes the vehicle more difficult to control and increases the risk of an accident.

You should therefore drive with a gear engaged, as engine braking is your best ally for maintaining control of the vehicle and driving safely.

Harmful to the brakes and engine

Braking while in neutral causes considerable wear to your vehicle's brakes. The brake pads, discs and fluid are affected by this misuse, leading to these components needing to be replaced sooner, with the additional cost this entails.

When driving in neutral, the engine remains at low revs. Maintaining this over relatively long distances can also be harmful to the most important component of your vehicle. Engine components such as connecting rods, pulleys or propulsion components may deteriorate sooner than usual.

Review those driving tricks or habits and make sure you are doing things correctly. For everything else, book your ITV appointment and our team will inspect your vehicle to make sure everything is in order.