You’ve probably heard about coasting, and it is terrible. But what is coasting? And why is it frowned upon? Simply put, Coasting is a driving technique where the car is in motion without power from the engine. While coasting, the vehicle moves with momentum, not the engine.
Coasting is often overlooked – and if you ask most drivers, they’d tell you it’s done unknowingly, while others feel it helps them save fuel. But here’s the truth. Coasting poses a real risk to the driver, the vehicle occupants, and other road users. It reduces vehicle control and increases brake wear.
These risks often seem surface-level. Therefore, this article will explore the dangers of seemingly harmless driving habits, the myths surrounding them, and why coasting poses a risk to drivers and other road users. It will also offer safer alternatives to help drivers maintain vehicle control while improving efficiency.
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What is Coasting?
Let’s be honest here, folks. We might all be guilty of coasting at one time or another. And in case you have no idea what it is – here’s a detailed explanation. Coasting is when you momentarily disengage your gear from the engine by shifting to neutral (automatic) or pressing the clutch.
When you do this, your car will roll down the roll purely on inertia without engine power assisting in speed regulation. Drivers often coast downhill to reduce fuel consumption or when approaching a stop sign.
This seems harmless, but on the flip side, it can have unexpected safety and mechanical consequences.
Why is Coasting Considered Unsafe?
So, what is coasting? Coasting is one of those driving habits that often feel harmless. Most drivers think they still have control over the vehicle – after all, you have full attention on the road ahead, have your hands on the wheel, and your foot ready to pedal. What could go wrong?… A lot!
Loss of Engine Braking
Most drivers don’t know this, but your vehicle slows when you lift your leg off the accelerator. The natural deceleration is not due to the slowing of momentum – but a lot to do with engine braking.
Engine braking helps the vehicle reduce speed without using the footbrake excessively. Coating eliminates this critical feature and makes the car more reliant on the footbrake. The result can lead to overheating and brake fade, especially when driving down a long descent.
Reduced Control Over the Vehicle
It’s natural to feel like you have control over your car just because you have a firm grip on the steering wheel and your foot is ready to brake. Here’s the truth. Coasting affects the driver’s ability to respond quickly to road conditions.
Take, for example. You need to swerve to avoid hitting an object – steering will feel less responsive without engine power, especially while navigating through bends and corners. That’s not all. Shifting back to gear when something happens out of the blue takes extra time, delaying critical acceleration and braking adjustments.
Increased Brake Wear
Since coasting removes engine braking assistance – your vehicle’s footbrakes bear the heavy load of slowing down the car. Over time, habitual coasting and excessive reliance on brakes will cause increased wear and tear – leading to costly repairs and potentially causing brake failure in extreme cases.
Rapid Speed Increase on Descents
It’s natural for your vehicle to gain speed rolling downhill. To control this natural occurrence, the driver must continuously apply the footbrake without engine braking. This can cause overheating and reduced braking effectiveness, particularly dangerous on steep, windy roads.
Implications of Coasting
Coasting can get the driver into many problems outside repair costs and losing control over their vehicles. While it is not illegal even in the United Kingdom – it can have some implications for the driver.
Legal Considerations
Coasting feels like a harmless habit. Many drivers don’t think there are any implications to it. However, coasting is discouraged in many countries, including the UK, due to the abovementioned safety risks.
While coasting is not illegal, it reduces the driver’s control over their vehicle and can lead to an accident – in such circumstances, coasting can be considered negligent driving, resulting in penalties and fines.
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Impact on Driving Tests
Coasting is a habit that’s normalized in driving. And depending on who taught you how to drive, they may have passed along this terrible driving habit. During driving tests, learners who constantly coast may be penalized or fail due to proper gear management and control. Be warned!
Debunking Myths About Coasting
There are several myths about coasting, some of which are passed along casually among drivers but are untrue.
Does Coasting Save Fuel?
One of the reasons why drivers coast is to save on fuel. This practice is counterintuitive on modern vehicles designed to cut fuel supply when the throttle is released while in gear, saving fuel.
On the other hand, coasting in neutral will require fuel to keep the engine idle. Therefore, coasting will not save fuel and can even increase consumption.
Does Coasting Reduce Vehicle Wear and Tear?
Some vehicle owners assume that coasting will help reduce the strain on the engine. However, what happens is it places more strain on the braking system. Overusing the brakes will increase wear and lead to frequent replacement and potential safety hazards.
Safe Practises Instead of Coasting
If you are reading this, you’ve probably gotten into the habit of coasting. Dont panic! The following safe practices can help you steer clear of this dangerous habit.
Maintain proper Gear Control
Instead of coasting, how about remaining in the appropriate gear for the speed and road conditions ahead? Try shifting down gradually as you slow down to ensure smoother deceleration and better control. This method makes your vehicle more efficient and reduces wear and tear risk.
Use Engine Braking Effectively
As you approach a stop sign, ease off the accelerator instead of coasting while keeping the car in gear to allow engine braking – slowing down your vehicle. This will help reduce the strain on your brakes.
Practice Anticipatory Driving
Always keep your eyes focused ahead and plan to minimize the need for sudden braking or gear changes. This gives a smoother, more efficient driving experience and less strenuousness to your car’s components.
We hope this article has enlightened you on the myths around coasting and why it is a terrible habit. By following the outlined recommendations, you’ll be more aware of your habits and improve road safety and fuel efficiency while at the same time complying with the best driving practices.