Common fuel-saving technique may backfire with drivers ‘at risk’ this summer
Motorists following a common fuel-saving technique to reduce their petrol and diesel usage may backfire, according to a top expert.
A top motoring expert has warned a common fuel-saving theory could put drivers “at risk” and may not even cut costs in a major blow to British drivers.
Graham Conway, spokesperson for Select Car Leasing stressed petrol and diesel owners were letting their car coast in a bid to improve fuel efficiency.
However, the expert stressed that coasting before coming to a standstill is dangerous and can “reduce control”.
It means road users who press down on the clutch pedal or travel in neutral will have “less time to react”.
Coasting a vehicle will lessen control over steering as the tyres will have become disengaged from the engine.
It means road users will have to put a vehicle back into gear to take evasive action such as moving around a hazard.
Graham explained: “Most of us will admit we’ve let our vehicles coast a little while moving downhill or coming to a standstill.
"It’s a commonly held theory that this improves fuel efficiency as the revolutions per minute (RPM) decrease.
“However, this isn’t necessarily the case and coasting while in neutral can actually put fellow motorists at risk.
“That’s because it reduces the control you have of the vehicle and means you have less time to react to a sudden danger or to take evasive action.”
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Regularly coasting in a bid to save on fuel costs may also hit drivers financially later down the line.
According to Select Car Leasing, excessive use of the part will result in long-term damage to the component.
Overuse of the throw-out bearing will “increase wear and tear” with repairs likely to set car owners back between £400 and £800.
Motorists also run the risk of being hit with hefty penalties such as fines and a driving ban for breaking the rules.
Failure to have control of a vehicle could result in a sizeable £1,000 fine and penalty points on a driving licence.
Meanwhile, Graham warned that coasting may not even save fuel meaning motorists were following the advice for no reason.
He added: “Keeping your car in gear is actually much more fuel efficient.
“That's because in most modern vehicles the engine will use the driveline rather than fuel to turn itself over, and the car’s computer will cut fuel injection."
