Drivers making same mistake every day and it's costing them money

Drivers making same mistake every day and it's costing them money


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EXPERTS SAY CLAIMS DRIVING TECHNIQUE SAVES MONEY ARE ACTUALLY A MYTH 14:28, 03 Feb 2025 Millions of drivers have been told they are wrong about a common technique which is widely believed to


be money-saving. When driving downhill, it can be tempting to stick it into neutral, hold the clutch down and coast along. It's widely thought that coasting will save fuel but motoring


experts have dismissed this as a myth. In fact, they say coasting actually wastes fuel and could cause costly damage to your motor. Regular coasting is not advised as it could potentially


damage the clutch. Increased use of the brake could also wear them more quickly. The result will be motorists having to fork out for repairs. READ MORE: RECKLESS DRIVERS WHO HIT 108MPH ON


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Motoring expert Gabriel Hambleton, from Gold Label Car Care, explained: "Coasting, or driving in neutral or with the clutch pressed down, may seem like a way to save fuel, but it


actually wastes fuel and can damage your vehicle. When driving downhill in gear, your car cuts fuel automatically for better efficiency, but coasting makes the engine and wheels disconnect,


using unnecessary fuel. "This reduces control by eliminating engine braking, making it harder to manage speed and increasing reliance on footbrakes, causing faster brake wear and


reduced effectiveness on braking. Regular coasting can also damage the clutch system, leading to costly repairs, including the need to replace the clutch release bearing. "Besides the


financial costs, coasting can result in a fine of up to £1,000 or even disqualification if it causes you to lose control of the vehicle."