Am I wrong to engage neutral gear while driving?

Dear Paul, What is the impact of engaging neutral while driving especially on a slope. And is it true that it saves fuel? Christine Byiringiro

Hello Christine, driving your car downhill after shifting your transmission to neutral (no gear) is called coasting (in local slang ‘endobo’). Many motorists believe that they will save some fuel because disengaging the load of a car’s drive train from the engine reduces fuel consumption. While this may be true to some extent, on the whole the small fuel gains of coasting are lost when you reach the end of the slope and re-engage gear (drive for auto or number one for manual).

The sudden re-engagement of the drive train load with lowest gears will spike the fuel demand and negate (render useless) the small fuel economy gains perceived by the motorist when coasting. You should bear in mind that during coasting your engine is idling and keeps consuming some fuel. Coasting can damage your transmission as you re-engage low gears to the idling engine. The mating of transmission and engine will be somewhat violent which could cause some degree of mechanical damage.
Lastly, you may compromise your control of the car and safety during costing. Driving in gear gives a motorist the advantage of engine power which improves driver control during braking and sudden manoeuvring as well as improves handling when driving through sharp bends. This can help a motorist respond better and safely to emerging traffic and road conditions. Here are safe driving tips that can help you improve your fuel economy:

Choose differentiated fuel designed to last longer such as Shell Fuel Save (all fuels are not the same).
When driving downhill ease off the gas pedal (accelerator) without shifting to neutral. It allows the vehicle’s momentum to carry you without using a lot of fuel while enjoying the safety and handling benefits of driving in gear.
Avoid harsh acceleration and braking, it keeps your transmission in the fuel costly lower gears.

Avoid excessive idling in traffic jams, switch off the engine - after all you are not going anywhere.
Use well inflated tyres with good treads, when your tyres are worn out or poorly inflated your car uses more energy (fuel) to gain traction.
Avoid overloading or unnecessary loads, they add to your engine energy demand.
Keep your engine well-tuned and serviced which gives it quicker ignition and more efficient burning of fuel.