Expert Opinion: Why Shifting to Neutral While Driving Downhill Won’t Save Fuel

A car expert has explained why engaging the neutral gear in a downhill does not save fuel as presumed by many car owners.

According to Erick Wokabi of Auto Konnekt Kenya, shifting to neutral in modern-automatic cars does not save fuel.

He explained that once the car senses that there is no load on the acceleration pedal, the car cuts off the supply of fuel to the engine.

“Once the car senses that there is no acceleration going on, the cut off supply of the fuel to the engine… The gearbox powers the engine until when you accelerate the engine again,” Wokabi said.

Wokabi also warned that engaging the neutral gear in a downhill makes the driver have little control of the vehicle, and also makes the brakes wear out quickly.

How to save fuel

One of the most effective ways to save fuel is by maintaining proper tire pressure.

Underinflated tires can significantly increase rolling resistance, leading to decreased fuel efficiency. In fact, studies show that tires underinflated by just 10 psi can reduce fuel economy by up to 10%.

Another key strategy is to drive at steady speeds.

For instance, driving at speeds above 100 km/h can increase fuel consumption by as much as 15%. By maintaining a consistent speed—ideally between 50 and 90 km/h—you can optimize your vehicle’s performance.

Predictive driving is another effective technique that can lead to significant fuel savings.

By anticipating traffic patterns and adjusting your driving accordingly, you can minimize hard braking and rapid acceleration.

Additionally, reducing weight and aerodynamic drag can have a substantial impact on fuel consumption.

Every extra weight in your vehicle requires more energy to move, so it’s wise to remove unnecessary items from your car.