What is coasting and is it legal?

Also known as freewheeling, coasting occurs when the vehicle moves without any power. However, while it might seem like a quick way to cut your fuel costs, there are a few important things you need to know before attempting coasting with your car. 

In this driving advice guide, we looks at what coasting is, its impact on a vehicle, and if it is legal.

Coasting occurs when a vehicle moves forward without any power from the engine. It usually happens when a driver pushes their foot down on the clutch pedal or puts the vehicle into neutral.

Some drivers will use coasting when driving down a hill or approach a junction or roundabout.

Some drivers claim coasting can save money and increase fuel efficiency, but it can also lead to an unsafe driving style, where the driver has less control over the vehicle.

Coasting will not damage your car, but it will increase wear and tear of key mechanical components. The brakes, for example will be forced to work much harder as coasting prevents the vehicle from using engine braking. The clutch will also experience more wear, which will again result in costly repairs. 

Allowing a vehicle to build up speed when coasting downhill requires considerable force to slow or stop it, this means your brake pads and brake discs will wear out more quickly or become damaged due to a prolonged build up of heat. 

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Although having the car in neutral or the clutch being pressed down while the car in moving is not illegal – it is not recommended for drivers to coast.

Coasting can reduce control over the vehicle, especially in situations where quick acceleration or engine braking might be needed.

The UK Highway Code advises against coasting. Rule 122 specifically states that coasting can reduce driver control.

While the Highway Code itself is not law, failure to comply with it can be used as evidence in court to establish liability.

Coasting will not save you money. In fact, according to the technical experts at Mercedes-Benz, coasting is likely to increase fuel consumption.

It's important to note that, when coasting, engines require fuel to perform idling. However, many modern petrol and diesel engines use fuel injection, with sensors that automatically detect whether the accelerator is engaged.

When the driver lifts their foot off the accelerator, the engine automatically stops fuel flowing to the injector while keeping the engine running.

This means you save fuel (and money) by staying in gear when travelling downhill.

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Habits are constant behaviours exhibited by drivers that can have both positive and negative impact on a vehicle and road safety.

Coasting, although it can help lower fuel consumption, it is viewed as a negative habit as it decreases the control a driver has over their vehicle.

Here are some other bad habits that drivers should avoid:

• Aggressive driving: This includes tailgating, undertaking, cutting off other vehicles, and rapid acceleration followed by hard braking.
• Driving while using a mobile device: Not only is this illegal, but also dangerous as a driver’s concentration should be on wheels at all times.
• Not carrying out regular maintenance: This is crucial for all car owners, as avoiding it will lead to costly repairs and even breakdowns.
• Failing to wear a seatbelt: Another huge safety risk, and illegal. All passengers should be buckled up before setting off.
• Riding the brakes: This is when you fail to completely remove the pressure from the brakes. This can damage the brakes and cause overheating.
• Incorrect gear changes: Doing this will add pressure to the gearbox – which is a costly repair.
• Resting hands on steering wheel: Drivers who do this have less control over their vehicle and is a safety risk.
• Not using indicators: This means that other drivers will not be aware of when you make a turn.

Although there are many other bad habits for driving, being aware of them and making an immediate change can lead to safer driving and a more enjoyable for all road users