Engine braking instead of neutral

Drivers often abuse the clutch, for example, driving several tens and sometimes hundreds of meters to a traffic light. This is wasteful and dangerous.

– Driving at idle or with the clutch engaged and the clutch engaged results in unnecessary fuel consumption and reduces vehicle controllability. It is worth developing the habit of engine braking, that is, driving in gear without adding gas, says Zbigniew Veseli, director of the Renault driving school.

When there is danger on the road and you need to immediately accelerate, the driver just needs to press the gas pedal when braking with the engine. When it is idling, it must first shift into gear, which wastes precious time. Also, if the vehicle is driven "on a neutral" curve on a road with reduced traction, it may skid more easily.

An automotive clutch should be used in the following situations:

• when touched,
• when shifting gears
• when stopped to keep the engine running.

In other situations, the left foot should rest on the floor. When it is on the clutch instead, it causes unnecessary wear on that component. Engine braking also reduces fuel consumption, as fuel consumption is higher even when idling.

See also: Eco-driving - what is it? It's not just about fuel economy