It’s probably not something most motorists have thought about
Motorists are being urged to adopt a smarter way of driving that could see them using no fuel at all while on the move – and it’s got nothing to do with switching to an electric car. The advice centres around a built-in feature present in most modern petrol and diesel cars and it could save drivers significantly at the pump.
According to Gordon Wallis, fuel expert at Your NRG, coasting in gear activates a system known as Deceleration Fuel Cut-Off (DFCO) – a feature that halts fuel injection during certain driving conditions, allowing the car to burn no fuel at all while decelerating.
“When you lift your foot off the accelerator but keep the car in gear, the engine is driven by the wheels, not fuel,” explained Mr Wallis. “That means your car can effectively use zero fuel while slowing down. It’s a clever bit of engineering that most drivers are benefiting from without even realising it.”
This system has been standard in most cars since the mid-1990s and remains one of the most underused fuel-saving features, particularly helpful during downhill stretches, approaching junctions, or easing off in traffic.
With unleaded fuel still averaging around 135p per litre and diesel topping 140p, Mr Wallis said learning to drive more efficiently was a smart way to reduce spending.
He said: “As long as your car was built in the last 25 to 30 years, it’s highly likely to have DFCO built in. You just need to adjust your driving style slightly to take advantage of it.”
He added that it was safer and more effective than coasting in neutral and could easily become second nature with practice: “It’s one of the simplest habits to adopt. Ease off the throttle early and allow the car to naturally slow itself down while in gear. You stay in control, reduce brake wear, and burn no fuel while doing it.
“In a time where fuel costs are unpredictable and every pound counts, using your vehicle’s existing technology to save money just makes sense. It’s better for your budget, better for your car, and better for the environment.”
