Question 3815
When driving downhill, are you allowed to shift into neutral to save fuel?
- No, because I can lose control of the vehicle.
- Yes, because in neutral the engine uses no fuel.
- No, because the engine can be damaged.
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: No, because I can lose control of the vehicle.
No. In neutral, the engine no longer holds the car back, so it picks up speed and you have to use the brakes much more. The brakes heat up, become less effective, and you can lose control. You do not save fuel either, because the engine still uses fuel at idle, while fuel consumption is zero with a gear engaged and your foot off the accelerator. The sign in the picture reminds you to use the engine for braking.