Safety margins
Why is 'coasting' downhill — rolling in neutral or with the clutch down — a bad idea?
- It uses far more fuel
- It reduces your control of braking and steeringCorrect
- It warms up the brakes too much
- It is only a problem on the flat
Why?
Rule 122 of The Highway Code warns that coasting removes engine braking and reduces your control of the vehicle's speed and steering. On a downhill this can let your speed build up, lengthening how far you need to stop.
Highway Code rule 122