What is 'coasting' as it relates to vehicle driving?

Coasting refers to a situation in driving where a vehicle moves without the engine actively powering it, generally occurring when the vehicle is in gear but the accelerator is not engaged, often associated with scenarios like driving downhill.

In this context, when pressing down on the clutch while going downhill, the driver effectively disconnects the engine from the wheels. This results in the vehicle relying solely on gravity for propulsion, effectively coasting. Engaging the clutch in this manner limits engine braking, which can lead to a loss of control if the driver is not vigilant about speed and can require more brake use, which may affect vehicle control and efficiency.

Understanding 'coasting' is essential for maintaining vehicle control and efficiency during certain driving conditions, particularly when traveling downhill or needing to slow down progressively. Other choices pertain to different driving techniques that do not accurately describe the act of coasting as defined above.