Does shifting into neutral save fuel
- Thread starter THKPIC
- Start date
SSpeckerwood
New member
In my truck I use the gears.
In my car I use the brakes. Brakes are cheap.
In my car I use the brakes. Brakes are cheap.
J T
New member
This. I was told long ago not to rely too much on using the transmission to slow the car because it's unnecessary wear and tear on it. Brake pads are cheap compared to the replacement cost of a transmission.
SSpeckerwood
New member
I agree.
I only use the transmission to hold me back coming down steep hills. Never to slow me down when coming to the stop.
A truck (1983 chevy) transmission is a tad different
I only use the transmission to hold me back coming down steep hills. Never to slow me down when coming to the stop.
A truck (1983 chevy) transmission is a tad different
Danny5
Its over 39000!
My Ultraguage states 300+ mpg when coasting downhill, 6th gear, freeway speeds (65-70mph)
If I step on the clutch, Ultragauge reads 190-200 mpg.
In this one limited situation, staying in gear is better. I have noticed no difference when coming to stop, like an off-ramp between holding 6th gear to 30mph or putting in neutral immediately.
Eh, just my 2 cents.
If I step on the clutch, Ultragauge reads 190-200 mpg.
In this one limited situation, staying in gear is better. I have noticed no difference when coming to stop, like an off-ramp between holding 6th gear to 30mph or putting in neutral immediately.
Eh, just my 2 cents.
wingman
Active member
ChevyDude82
New member
Oh wow after reading that I guess I'll go back to coasting in drive instead of neutral!
Eric Smit
Enforcer
J T
New member
And as I said earlier:
Keep the RPMs low for maximum mpg...that's what I've always tried to stick to. I can't imagine an engine idling at 1000rpm is using more gas than one spinning at 2000+ rpm. But I don't know how the fuel injection system works in this car, so I have no idea if my logic is true or not. For now, I will just assume that if I coast down a hill with the engine idling that it's using less fuel than if I were in 6th gear pushing 2000 rpm or more. If anyone wants to correct (aka educate) me, feel free.
Education complete.
Thanks for the link, wingman. That makes sense now. No more neutral/idle coasting for me.
LS1notFOUND
New member
Actually you probably don't notice at speed because it easier to turn the wheel anyway...However turn key to "run" with engine off and you'll see you certainly don't have any power steering.
Its just assisted by something other than a hydralic pump/fluid, instead it most likely runs off the alternator, AKA still runs on the accessory drive, it just doesn't have a pump and fluid.
sx sonic
New member
The power steering does work with the engine off and key on run (and maybe on acc idr)
However it does not work if you are stopped or below a certain speed ~10mph..
I know this is true bc with the key off while moving the vehicle is fairly resitant to turning, turn the key while still moving and presto power assist.. the wheel lock only engages after the key is removed..
*note I am not responsible for any incident attempting this manuever and do not recommend trying it
(Even if I do it)
Back to the coasting debate I haven't done any testing so I can validate a comparo but I have hit 49.5 mpg on a tank of gas coasting in nuetral. (Hand calc. 1.4t 6mt). So I'm happy throwing it in nuetral, its easy. Lol
-tyler
However it does not work if you are stopped or below a certain speed ~10mph..
I know this is true bc with the key off while moving the vehicle is fairly resitant to turning, turn the key while still moving and presto power assist.. the wheel lock only engages after the key is removed..
*note I am not responsible for any incident attempting this manuever and do not recommend trying it
(Even if I do it)
Back to the coasting debate I haven't done any testing so I can validate a comparo but I have hit 49.5 mpg on a tank of gas coasting in nuetral. (Hand calc. 1.4t 6mt). So I'm happy throwing it in nuetral, its easy. Lol
-tyler
J T
New member
Eric Smit
Enforcer
You are absolutely ridiculous. I can get 45 MPG by driving. Nothing crazy. Just driving. By utilizing the fuel cut off, which is built into the car, I can get 50. It's not only not unsafe, it's safe!
-Eric Smit
J T
New member
I've been disengaging the clutch downhill for nearly 30 years and I have never felt like I was risking death by doing so.
Some people really go overboard with their perceptions of reality.
Well I just learned something new today. I was in the “low rpms = high mpg" crowd too, but I'll try and break the habit of neutral costing from now on.
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