The Highway Code is a set of rules motorists must abide by while driving their vehicles on public roads.
Failure to stick to the code can result in fines, penalty points on your licence and, in extreme cases, a driving ban or even a spell in prison. Amid the cost of living crisis, and higher petrol prices, many drivers have tried to find ways to make their fuel last longer.
But one common trick could actually see motorists breaking the code, and therefore hit with fines and even discretionary disqualification.
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Some people believe coasting - that is, travelling in neutral or with the clutch pressed down - can save fuel. Not only is this untrue, it is can also be dangerous.
Motorists are often warned against using this method because it can reduce driver control, the Express reports.
Engine braking is eliminated when coasting and can lead to the speed increasing quickly when travelling downhill. As a result, drivers may see a reduction in the effectiveness of the footbrake given the increased use.
Steering response will be affected too, with drivers seeing a notable difference, particularly on bends and corners. It may also be more difficult to select the appropriate gear when needed.
Failure to have proper control of a vehicle can result in a potential fine of £1,000 or even discretionary disqualification. This fine can be raised to £2,500 if driving a larger vehicle such as a bus, coach or HGV.
John Wilmot, chief executive of LeaseLoco, explained coasting may be affected by new technology in cars. He explained: “Coasting is no longer beneficial to energy efficiency due to the fuel system in the majority of modern cars.
“When we drive downhill in gear, our engine ECU detects that the accelerator isn’t engaged and cuts fuel from going into the fuel injectors. We use no fuel or very little when driving downhill in gear.
“However, when we drive downhill in neutral, our engine and wheels become disconnected. This forces a small amount of fuel to be sent to the engine due to the car not receiving the rotational power it needs from the wheels, instead of drawing that power directly from the wheels.”
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