You can find the official Highway Code guidelines on coasting here Rule However, if you were to be involved in an accident that was influenced by coasting, the argument could be made that the driver did not have control of the vehicle — which would be an offence. If anything, coasting could actually increase your fuel consumption. These days, cars have electronic fuel injection, powered by an intelligent electronic control unit ECU.
This means that modern cars have been able, for many years now, to do clever things like shut off all fuel to the engine if no power input is required to the wheels — e. It's a telltale sign that a hill has been blasted open so drivers don't have to tackle the steep slope.
However, this approach isn't feasible for every hill out there. More often than not, a road will be constructed directly on the slope, with signs warning drivers—especially truckers—about the grade. Failing to account for the hazards of a steep road can be devastating. This became clear in Connecticut when a dump truck's brakes failed on a 10 percent grade in Avon, causing the truck to plow through 20 vehicles stopped at a traffic light at the bottom of the hill.
Four people were killed in this incident, and 19 others were injured. Relying too much on your brakes during a descent can be especially dangerous. Harry Gorge, author of the book "Common Sense Guide to Driving a Truck," says excessive braking will cause the brakes to overheat. This increases the possibility that the brakes will be less effective or fail entirely.
Engine braking is a more effective way to reduce your speed while traveling downhill. MAT Foundry Group, a British manufacturer of automotive safety parts, says that when you take your foot off the accelerator, the airflow to the engine is restricted. This forces the cylinders to work against a higher manifold vacuum, reducing the engine power and causing the vehicle to decelerate. This effect is apparent even on level roads, allowing you to slow down without using your brakes.
As a result of engine braking and friction, taking your foot off the accelerator allows you to reduce your speed when you are approaching a red light, stuck in congestion, or otherwise in a situation where you need to slow down.
Engine braking has the added effect of limiting fuel consumption, allowing you to burn less gas during a downhill coast where it is not really necessary. The engine is also built to withstand engine braking, so you won't put any unnecessary wear and tear on it. Of course, the momentum of the descent can cause your vehicle to pick up speed even when your foot is off the gas. For roads with long, steep descents, you should shift to a lower gear.
This has the effect of increasing the engine braking, further limiting the vehicle's power. Don't wait until you're on the hill to make this shift. Gorge recommends downshifting just before a steep grade starts so you'll be traveling at a safe speed when you start the descent. While a lower gear will help you reduce your reliance on the vehicle's brakes, it won't eliminate it entirely. Safety: If the driver has to accelerate or quickly change lanes to avoid unsafe road conditions, the last thing the driver will think of is whether the vehicle is in gear.
With the car out of gear, drivers and passengers are more at risk when it comes to reacting quickly. The computer is always going to maximize fuel consumption and emission levels. Mechanical: Drivers run the risk of having mechanical issues if they shift incorrectly or over-rev the engine.
What if the vehicle stalls? Will the driver find the right gear or put it in reverse? These are all risks. In my travels lately, I have noticed yet another disturbing trend: drivers flicking cigarette ashes out their windows.
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