October 7, 2010
Saving gas money? Switching to neutral?
I have a pontiac grand prix i think a 92′? its had quite a bit of work done to it including getting a new engine so i’m not exactly sure how much MPG I am ACTUALLY getting but I was wondering if switching to neutral or “coasting” will save gas? You can only do it when going downhill I know and you have to switch it back to drive going up hills, but a friend of mine said it would, is this accurate?
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Filed under Gas Conservation FAQ by on Oct 7th, 2010. Comment. 
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Comments on Saving gas money? Switching to neutral?
Actually in a lot of states it is illegal to travel down the road & not have the transmission in gear. Even though it is difficult to tell if you are coasting or you are in Drive, it can get you a citation.
Also, it is unsafe. If something happened in front of you & you had to “power out” meaning gas the hell out of your car to avoid the danger, you would not be able to react, place the car back into Drive & gas on it to avoid the danger in time.
I know people that tried that and accidentally pushed it into reverse.
Just taking it easy with the gas pedal, driving slower, and keeping your tires properly inflated will be safer and do you more good than any funny business you could try with your transmission.
Don’t do it.
It is far more of a hassle and dangerous than than any possible insignificant fuel savings that you might realize.
If you are really interested in saving fuel and increasing fuel economy then practice the driving skills described at :
http://www.hypermiling.com/
By following the driving techniques they recommend, I increased the fuel economy in my F-250 Super Crew pick up truck from around 12 mpg to over 18 mpg. That is an incredible 50% improvement simply by changing MY driving habits! And I thought I was a good driver!
As Le Anne says, DON’T do it. You,re wearing out the brakes faster, which cancels any fuel savings.
Here’s what I do. When slowing to exit a fwy or going down a hill lock out the overdrive. That slows you down some AND saves the brakes.
Very poor habit. Leave it in gear before you break your own neck or someone elses. Try and find that practise in any owners manual. Good luck