If You Put Your Car in Neutral, Would It Save Fuel?

 

It is a common question, especially among drivers trying to make their fuel last a little longer: does putting the car in neutral save fuel?

At first, it seems like it should. It may appear that the engine in such a situation some less work somehow giving the impression that not much work is being done. But there is a little more to it than that.

Whether you are a new driver learning with an Automatic driving school Earlscourt or someone who has been driving for years, it is worth knowing what really happens when you put the car into neutral.

What Happens When You Put the Car in Neutral?

The car is not in gear and the engine is still working at its regular engine speed.

With it being set to Neutral, the car still keeps moving even though the engine is at idle speed.

That is the common misunderstanding - the engine is still functioning and consuming fuel. Putting the car into neutral does not mean that fuel use drops to zero.

Does Neutral Save Fuel While You Are Moving?

Usually, it is not a useful way to save fuel.

For example, imagine you are approaching a red light and take your foot off the accelerator. If the car stays in gear, the engine can use the movement of the car to slow it down. On many modern cars, the engine management system can also reduce or temporarily cut fuel delivery while the car is decelerating.

If you put the car into neutral instead, the engine has to keep running by itself at idle.

So although the car is rolling freely, that does not necessarily mean you are using less fuel. In some situations, staying in gear can actually be more efficient.

What About Going Downhill?

This is where using neutral can cause a bigger problem.

Going downhill in neutral might feel tempting because the car rolls easily and you may think you are saving fuel. The problem is that you lose engine braking.

Engine braking is simply the slowing effect you get when the car remains in gear and you lift off the accelerator. It can be especially helpful on a steep hill.

If you select neutral, you may find yourself using the brakes more often to keep the car at the right speed.

Apart from fuel economy, this is also about keeping proper control of the vehicle. It is usually better to stay in an appropriate gear rather than rolling downhill in neutral.

What If You Are Sitting in Traffic?

If you are completely stopped, the situation is different.

When traffic has come to a standstill, putting a manual car into neutral can make sense, particularly if you expect to wait for a little while. In an automatic, you should use the controls as recommended for that particular vehicle.

But there is not much point in constantly switching between drive and neutral every few seconds during normal stop-and-go traffic.

Modern cars are also often fitted with stop-start systems. When the car is stopped, the system can switch the engine off and restart it when you are ready to move. That can reduce fuel wasted while the engine is simply sitting and idling.

Is it True that Turning Off the Engine Saves Fuel?

There is no doubt that switching off the engine does prevent fuel combustion while your vehicle is stopped.

You can do that if you are sure it is safe and suitable to do so. The best piece of advice is to adhere to the manufacturer’s recommendations as every vehicle can have various systems with different needs.

For everyday driving, though, the biggest fuel savings usually come from how you drive rather than constantly changing gears to neutral.

Simple Ways to Use Less Fuel

If your goal is to save fuel, there are a few driving habits that are much more worthwhile.

Try to accelerate smoothly instead of putting your foot down hard. Look further ahead so you can react to traffic early instead of braking heavily at the last moment. Keeping a steady speed where possible can also help.

It is also worth checking your tyre pressures regularly. A tyre that is not inflated correctly can make the car work harder.

And if your boot is full of things you never use, take some of them out. Carrying unnecessary weight can affect fuel consumption too.

So, Is Neutral a Fuel Saving Trick?

No.

Putting the car into neutral while it is moving may seem like an easy way to save fuel, but it is not a trick that drivers should rely on. In many modern cars, staying in gear while coming off the accelerator can already reduce fuel use during deceleration.

There is also the question of control. Staying in the correct gear gives you engine braking and means you are ready to respond to changes in traffic.

So rather than trying to save fuel by coasting in neutral, focus on smooth acceleration, gentle braking, good observation and using the right gear for the situation.

Those habits are better for your fuel economy, and they make your driving more controlled at the same time.