These are the most common mistakes made by older drivers
A common misconception among experienced drivers is that idling significantly impacts fuel consumption. This belief typically stems from habits developed while driving older car models. However, such practices no longer make sense.
7:43 AM EST, November 14, 2023
Driving instructors frequently advise against idling, and yet there are still drivers who believe that coasting can reduce fuel consumption. This belief isn't unfounded - in the era of carburetors versus electronic fuel injection, coasting made sense. However, in today's world it doesn't.
"Utilizing engine braking is undoubtedly a better solution," says Zbigniew Weseli, director of the Renault Safe Driving School. This technique involves keeping the car "in gear" and just releasing the gas pedal. Consequently, the engine speed decreases, and fuel is not supplied to the cylinder. In this scenario, fuel consumption can feasibly be reduced by 0.26-0.53 gallons, depending on the vehicle's size.
The temptation to put the car into neutral may increase while descending a hill. However, this practice may cause serious implications. Overreliance on brakes, especially in montainous areas, can lead to their overheating, subsequently resulting in a decrease in efficiency.
Representatives of the Safe Driving School also claim that coasting and driving in gear with the clutch pressed are virtually identical. In both cases, though to a small degree, the clutch system's consumption increases. Most importantly, when coasting, the driver doesn't have the leverage to respond rapidly to unexpected road situations.
