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Author	Topic: Anyone shifting to neutral on downhill to save gas ?	Post a Reply Back to Topics

Vibe03 Veteran Author Toronto Posts:466 Points:273,790 Joined:Aug 2007	Message Posted: Jul 21, 2010 9:12:55 AM Ignore Vibe03 Report Abuse When it is not steep downhill and you don't need to brake the car to slow it down, coasting down around 55 mph at idling gives the engine a rest also save gas. Just not sure if the vacuum and other stuff are operating at normal level

Vibe03

Veteran Author
Toronto

Posts:466
Points:273,790
Joined:Aug 2007

Message Posted: Jul 21, 2010 9:12:55 AM

Ignore Vibe03 Report Abuse

When it is not steep downhill and you don't need to brake the car to slow it down, coasting down around 55 mph at idling gives the engine a rest also save gas. Just not sure if the vacuum and other stuff are operating at normal level

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weddy11 Champion Author Phoenix Posts:1,753 Points:434,775 Joined:Dec 2011	Message Posted: May 25, 2013 11:08:57 AM Ignore weddy11 Report Abuse No
b899 Champion Author Connecticut Posts:5,129 Points:1,579,765 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: May 25, 2013 9:06:59 AM Ignore b899 Report Abuse no
DanFMA Champion Author Massachusetts Posts:1,126 Points:1,075,410 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: May 24, 2013 6:09:48 AM Ignore DanFMA Report Abuse No.
Jmac2008 Champion Author Missouri Posts:2,289 Points:884,065 Joined:Dec 2008	Message Posted: May 24, 2013 4:00:24 AM Ignore Jmac2008 Report Abuse no
bighatch65 Rookie Author Newfoundland Posts:29 Points:177,265 Joined:Aug 2012	Message Posted: May 23, 2013 1:19:34 PM Ignore bighatch65 Report Abuse In neutral the engine is always burning fuel. Some newer cars shut off the fuel if left in gear and coasting (down hill) i.e. no throttle so you get distance with zero fuel burn. My manual trans Dodge Challenger shuts off fuel when coasting in gear. If I go to neutral or press in on clutch fuel is being burned...
pupule777 Veteran Author New Hampshire Posts:301 Points:86,655 Joined:Jan 2013	Message Posted: May 23, 2013 11:05:22 AM Ignore pupule777 Report Abuse It isn't the best thing to do. Having the car in gear helps control the car !!!
b899 Champion Author Connecticut Posts:5,129 Points:1,579,765 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: May 23, 2013 8:11:10 AM Ignore b899 Report Abuse no
TSR6 Rookie Author Rockford Posts:10 Points:4,810 Joined:Nov 2011	Message Posted: May 22, 2013 4:49:35 PM Ignore TSR6 Report Abuse yes
puddy Champion Author Wisconsin Posts:13,661 Points:3,269,850 Joined:Dec 2003	Message Posted: May 21, 2013 7:43:38 AM Ignore puddy Report Abuse no
b899 Champion Author Connecticut Posts:5,129 Points:1,579,765 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: May 21, 2013 7:29:36 AM Ignore b899 Report Abuse no
Jmac2008 Champion Author Missouri Posts:2,289 Points:884,065 Joined:Dec 2008	Message Posted: May 20, 2013 12:23:26 AM Ignore Jmac2008 Report Abuse no
b899 Champion Author Connecticut Posts:5,129 Points:1,579,765 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: May 19, 2013 10:41:40 AM Ignore b899 Report Abuse no
DoctorOH Champion Author Cleveland Posts:4,883 Points:1,080,325 Joined:Mar 2010	Message Posted: May 17, 2013 2:19:07 AM Ignore DoctorOH Report Abuse No
IAMCANADIAN73 Champion Author Ontario Posts:2,405 Points:1,124,750 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: May 16, 2013 12:04:01 AM Ignore IAMCANADIAN73 Report Abuse Nope
IAMCANADIAN73 Champion Author Ontario Posts:2,405 Points:1,124,750 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: May 16, 2013 12:03:46 AM Ignore IAMCANADIAN73 Report Abuse No
dontuknowOH Champion Author Ohio Posts:2,100 Points:36,605 Joined:Aug 2009	Message Posted: May 15, 2013 9:38:53 PM Ignore dontuknowOH Report Abuse Today I went 40+ miles into the country and nailed several downgrades in N.. cog, on the way back, took another route going then had only gradual up grades therefor I was able to stay in O-Drive and keep rpms lower. Strong winds hurt mileage today, better coming back home.
b899 Champion Author Connecticut Posts:5,129 Points:1,579,765 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: May 14, 2013 7:44:41 AM Ignore b899 Report Abuse no
b899 Champion Author Connecticut Posts:5,129 Points:1,579,765 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: May 12, 2013 9:44:32 AM Ignore b899 Report Abuse no
mybigtruck Sophomore Author San Jose Posts:141 Points:200,850 Joined:Oct 2009	Message Posted: May 11, 2013 11:54:01 AM Ignore mybigtruck Report Abuse Coasting down a hill in neutral costs fuel to keep the engine spinning at least at idle speeds. In a diesel, leaving it in gear especially when the torque converter is locked consumes zero fuel. So, no, I never coast in neutral
metalhat73 Veteran Author Wilmington Posts:386 Points:243,555 Joined:May 2012	Message Posted: May 11, 2013 11:38:55 AM Ignore metalhat73 Report Abuse Driving a hybrid, I just let go of the gas as this allows the generator to charge the batteries. Only if the hill is steep enough as the generator acts as a brake.
kellyoneal Champion Author Louisville Posts:2,430 Points:707,740 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: May 10, 2013 2:44:32 PM Ignore kellyoneal Report Abuse no
b899 Champion Author Connecticut Posts:5,129 Points:1,579,765 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: May 10, 2013 8:45:41 AM Ignore b899 Report Abuse no
ace12012 Champion Author Phoenix Posts:1,680 Points:326,860 Joined:Apr 2012	Message Posted: May 8, 2013 12:54:08 PM Ignore ace12012 Report Abuse no
StArrow68 Champion Author Oakland Posts:3,273 Points:1,364,165 Joined:Apr 2003	Message Posted: May 8, 2013 10:11:43 AM Ignore StArrow68 Report Abuse Ah, nothing like a good disagreement. It works for some and not for others. Surprising how under informed some are, with comments like giving up control of your car. Slopes can be gentle, moderate or steep, on a gentle slope most cars would probably lose speed in neutral, just like with engine braking, no big deal. On a moderate slope the car might maintain speed, perfect solution, rather than lose speed under engine braking. Steep slopes, be careful. Enjoy what you drive.
weddy11 Champion Author Phoenix Posts:1,753 Points:434,775 Joined:Dec 2011	Message Posted: May 8, 2013 10:00:00 AM Ignore weddy11 Report Abuse No
pupule777 Veteran Author New Hampshire Posts:301 Points:86,655 Joined:Jan 2013	Message Posted: May 7, 2013 12:50:45 PM Ignore pupule777 Report Abuse I don't think that is a safe practice especially considering what you'll save !! How about this - - How many people shut off their engine when sitting at a RR crossing with a train going by or just waining for sonething or another ?? I have heard that that saves a lot, a surprising lot !!
b899 Champion Author Connecticut Posts:5,129 Points:1,579,765 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: May 7, 2013 8:19:15 AM Ignore b899 Report Abuse no
b899 Champion Author Connecticut Posts:5,129 Points:1,579,765 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: May 6, 2013 8:23:00 AM Ignore b899 Report Abuse no
sks1586 All-Star Author New Jersey Posts:599 Points:51,360 Joined:Mar 2013	Message Posted: May 5, 2013 3:48:58 AM Ignore sks1586 Report Abuse No and because of flat land + automatic gear . But would agree with your strategy in circumstances described by you.
speedy700 Veteran Author New Jersey Posts:416 Points:129,025 Joined:Jan 2013	Message Posted: May 5, 2013 1:31:33 AM Ignore speedy700 Report Abuse Never...my car is a manual so letting go of the gas pedal shuts off the fuel flow. More efficient (and way less dangerous) than letting my engine idle on the way down.
gassprite Champion Author Toms River Posts:1,087 Points:140,615 Joined:Apr 2012	Message Posted: May 4, 2013 9:13:20 PM Ignore gassprite Report Abuse There is no sound reason to give up control of your car by shifting into neutral when you are rolling down hill.
IAMCANADIAN73 Champion Author Ontario Posts:2,405 Points:1,124,750 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: May 4, 2013 6:24:35 AM Ignore IAMCANADIAN73 Report Abuse No
73CH13 Rookie Author Phoenix Posts:20 Points:36,350 Joined:Dec 2011	Message Posted: May 3, 2013 1:22:56 PM Ignore 73CH13 Report Abuse I drive a stick so unless I have to use the engine to brake, yes it's in neutral or shut off(I don't have power steering.)
diesel8888 Champion Author Salt Lake City Posts:1,202 Points:361,335 Joined:Nov 2011	Message Posted: May 2, 2013 1:23:45 PM Ignore diesel8888 Report Abuse Not very often....
IAMCANADIAN73 Champion Author Ontario Posts:2,405 Points:1,124,750 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: May 2, 2013 8:48:15 AM Ignore IAMCANADIAN73 Report Abuse Nope
b899 Champion Author Connecticut Posts:5,129 Points:1,579,765 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: May 2, 2013 8:20:48 AM Ignore b899 Report Abuse no
b899 Champion Author Connecticut Posts:5,129 Points:1,579,765 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Apr 29, 2013 9:21:56 AM Ignore b899 Report Abuse no
IAMCANADIAN73 Champion Author Ontario Posts:2,405 Points:1,124,750 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Apr 28, 2013 5:20:50 PM Ignore IAMCANADIAN73 Report Abuse NO
IAMCANADIAN73 Champion Author Ontario Posts:2,405 Points:1,124,750 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Apr 28, 2013 5:20:39 PM Ignore IAMCANADIAN73 Report Abuse Nope
L98 Sophomore Author Ontario Posts:180 Points:26,180 Joined:Mar 2013	Message Posted: Apr 28, 2013 12:59:46 PM Ignore L98 Report Abuse yes,sometimes..with a standard trans
jbh216 Veteran Author Reading Posts:280 Points:71,330 Joined:Mar 2013	Message Posted: Apr 25, 2013 11:58:08 PM Ignore jbh216 Report Abuse Yes
b899 Champion Author Connecticut Posts:5,129 Points:1,579,765 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Apr 25, 2013 9:05:34 AM Ignore b899 Report Abuse No
IAMCANADIAN73 Champion Author Ontario Posts:2,405 Points:1,124,750 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Apr 25, 2013 8:51:50 AM Ignore IAMCANADIAN73 Report Abuse Just coast
IAMCANADIAN73 Champion Author Ontario Posts:2,405 Points:1,124,750 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Apr 25, 2013 8:51:38 AM Ignore IAMCANADIAN73 Report Abuse No
dontuknowOH Champion Author Ohio Posts:2,100 Points:36,605 Joined:Aug 2009	Message Posted: Apr 25, 2013 8:42:00 AM Ignore dontuknowOH Report Abuse Yes gravity still works in my area, I keep engine running when in motion.
aktacoma9 Rookie Author Alaska Posts:14 Points:13,795 Joined:Apr 2013	Message Posted: Apr 22, 2013 12:19:17 PM Ignore aktacoma9 Report Abuse my 96 tacoma allows me to put the manual in neutral and also turn off the engine but i can still steer and you have about enough vacuum left to brake a few times hard then just pop it back into a gear in that range and take off again.
oochulshin Rookie Author New Jersey Posts:10 Points:480 Joined:Dec 2010	Message Posted: Apr 22, 2013 10:47:39 AM Ignore oochulshin Report Abuse Idling drinks gas. Coasting in gear doesn't. Keep it in highest gear, save gas.
BigHorne1 Champion Author Missouri Posts:1,512 Points:299,700 Joined:Jul 2012	Message Posted: Apr 22, 2013 10:27:43 AM Ignore BigHorne1 Report Abuse Shift to neutral if stuck in traffic now, so that you don't have to keep the clutch in.
jbh216 Veteran Author Reading Posts:280 Points:71,330 Joined:Mar 2013	Message Posted: Apr 22, 2013 9:24:16 AM Ignore jbh216 Report Abuse Yes
Jmac2008 Champion Author Missouri Posts:2,289 Points:884,065 Joined:Dec 2008	Message Posted: Apr 22, 2013 1:35:36 AM Ignore Jmac2008 Report Abuse no