Will Using The Handbrake Save Fuel Instead Of Using The Clutch?

Question

I was told that if you use your clutch when stationery on a hill it will use more fuel than if you put the handbrake on - is this true?

If so, why does it save fuel?

Answer 1

Normally to sit on the clutch especially on a hill, you have to put on a few extra revs over idle. This will increase fuel consumption. But most people are not very good on hill starts anyway and tend to over rev when pulling away so I reckon it balances out. On near level roads you can sit on the biting point idling so its a choice then.

Answer 2

Because when you have the clutch up (even for balancing on a hill) the engine is trying to drive the wheels, using fuel.   The fuel it actually consumes is probably negligible though.  This is also why people coast out of gear rather than changing down a gear when they're slowing down, coming up to a roundabout etc, it also uses less fuel.

Answer 3

If you stop on a hill and use the clutch to hold you car from rolling back then you are making the engine work by applying a force sufficient to stop your car roll back.

This will make your engine use more petrol than when the car has its handbrake applied the engine can run at idle speed with no extra load ( strain on the engine).

However the practice of using your clutch to hold your car will cause wear on your clutch which will be expensive to replace, also it is not as safe as having the car stationary with the handbrake applied as you can get tired and if you lose the biting point the car may roll back and injure pedestrians etc.

Answer 4

Not really but it will definitely save your clutch from unnecessary wear

Answer 5

It uses fuel because you are applying power to the wheels to remain stationary on a hill. Not only will you waste gas, but this is a sure fire way to ruin your clutch. Just use your (regular) brakes to hold on a hill and learn to drive off when necessary.

Answer 6

it doesnt save fuel.

If you're in 1st gear and use the clutch, even though you're stationary, the engine is still running at 1st gear ratio.

And the handbrake doesnt make a difference.

What you should do is switch to neutral gear if you're gonna be stopping for a fair bit of time.

Answer 7

Thats ridiculous! If it saves any gas it would be insignificant!

If you are on a hill and continue to step on the gas slightly in order to keep from rolling back, I assume you would spend a bit more gas (But not enough to make any kind of difference!)

But then again, you dont need to use the hand brake for that! You could simply use your brakes!

Good luck !

Dont listen to crazy people! ;-)

Answer 8

don't do that mate. The clutch is designed for a purpose. You will trash your engine if you  use the handbrake instead of the clutch dude. Btw its not true about the handbrake instead of the clutch because your car will stall. Goodluck

I AM RIGHT PEOPLE. Can Any Of You Actually Drive?

Answer 9

Yes it will for the answers given also coasting uses more fuel than letting the engine slow the car FACT