Drivers could risk a big fine and damage their engine with a common mistake they think is saving fuel.

A survey found that just over 45 percent of motorists admit to cabotage. This means letting the car run without power by putting the gear lever in neutral or pressing the clutch directly, usually on a downhill grade or hill.

In the current economic climate of rising household costs, it may seem that riding as much as possible is a great way to save money on trips to the gas station.

But doing this to save money on gasoline or diesel usage is actually a misconception, auto experts said.

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This can actually increase fuel consumption and lead to a fine of £ 1,000 for failing to properly control your car. This can go up to £ 2,500 for larger vehicles such as minibuses and trucks.

Rule 122 of the Highway Code states that: Coasting trade is a term describing a vehicle traveling in neutral or with the clutch depressed. This can reduce driver control because

• the engine brake is removed

• downhill vehicle speed will increase rapidly

• increased use of the brake pedal may reduce its effectiveness

• the steering response will be affected, especially when cornering and cornering

• it may be more difficult to select the correct equipment when needed

Failure to have proper control of a vehicle can even lead to the imposition of disqualification by the courts.

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John Wilmot, managing director of car rental comparison site LeaseLoco, said: “Coasting is no longer beneficial for fuel efficiency due to the fuel system in the majority of modern cars.

“When we go down a hill in speed, the engine ECU senses that the throttle is not engaged and prevents fuel from entering the fuel injectors.

“We use very little or no fuel when speeding down a hill. However, when we come down a hill in neutral, our engine and wheels disconnect. This forces sending a small amount of fuel to the engine because the car is not receiving the rotation. the power it needs from the wheels, instead of getting that power directly from the wheels. “

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And he points out that there is a risk of damage to the vehicle. When driving in neutral, drivers become dependent on the mechanical brakes due to the disengagement of the engine brakes. This can wear out the mechanical brakes much faster.

Plus, since you’re more likely to coast a lot faster than usual, you’ll brake with a lot more force as needed in the same trip, which means the brake rotors and pads wear out. faster.

In addition, you could also damage the clutch. The release bearing is the part of the clutch system that disengages the engine when the clutch pedal is depressed. If this bearing is stressed for longer than necessary, you will need to replace it more quickly than usual.

A faulty clutch release bearing requires the entire clutch mechanism to be disassembled, which can cost a lot more than many realize, Wilmot said.

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