Coasting

WHAT IS COASTING?

The term ‘coasting’ is a one that will become familiar to everyone who decides to learn to

drive. It is, of course important to understand what exactly coasting is, and the effect it has

upon the vehicle.

So what does ‘Coasting’ mean?

Essentially, coasting means that the road wheels of the vehicle are not being ‘driven’ or

propelled by the engine even though the vehicle is actually moving. This occurs when either

the clutch pedal is held down, or the gear lever is in the neutral position.

How does Coasting affect the vehicle, and why is it wrong?

Ultimately coasting reduces the driver’s control over the vehicle. For example, if you were

to be travelling around a corner or bend in the road, because the road wheels are simply

free-wheeling at this point due to them not being driven by the engine, the vehicle will

‘under-steer’ which will likely result in you exiting the corner or bend too fast and possibly

even in the incorrect road position (too wide) which, of course could be highly dangerous if

you were to find yourself on the wrong side of the road with oncoming traffic facing you.

Furthermore, when travelling downhill the vehicle will quickly gather speed which makes the

driver feel like the vehicle is ‘running away’ in an uncontrolled manner. This in turn would

require the driver to brake far harder than normal to reduce their road speed in order to

compensate for the missing ‘braking effect’ assistance which the engine provides in lower

gears.

In truth the vehicle is essentially coasting a little each and every time you change gear,

however this is simply unavoidable. The time taken to change gear and return the clutch to

the fully at rest position should, however, be kept to an absolute minimum.

Never underestimate the importance of ‘engine braking’.

What is ‘Over-Run’?

Over-run is a vehicle state that is often, but should not be, confused with coasting. This

state is most commonly referred to as ‘travelling...