April 24, 2010
Trying to save gasoline?
With the gas prices at insane prices, I am trying to be as frugal as I can. There have been several times where there is a long distance coming up to a stop light. I take my foot off the gas, and just coast to the red light. Sometimes, I actually have to stop. This leads to my question:
Is it okay to down-shift my car, even though it has an AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION?
It would slow the car a little better, rather than just coast in. I used to do it all the time with the truck I had, and it worked out great. Does anyone out there know if this is okay for my car? I refuse to try it until I know I won’t kill my transmission. Thanks!
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Filed under Gas Conservation FAQ by on Apr 24th, 2010. Comment. 
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Comments on Trying to save gasoline?
>> Is it okay to down-shift my car, even though it has an AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION?
Any time the engine revs higher, it would actually use more gas.
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There are few thing you can do to save (or maximize) gas MPG. First get a tune-up.
(1) spark plugs
(2) spark plug wires
(3) distributors, coil, rotors (if you have them).
(4) new air filter
(5) PCV
(6) correct tire pressure
(7) clear the trunk of useless heavy items
(8) spray clean MAF sensor.
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Forget all those “SAVE GAS” scams. This was on NBC morning TV show. The difference is as much as 38% (their claim). There are very simple rules to save gas:
(1) drive slow – not too much past 55
(2) accelerate slowly
(3) don’t brake unnecessarily
(4) use cruise control – whenever it is safe to do so.
Don’t coast – it is NOT safe (to coast in Nuetral) and it does NOT save gas. It only saves gas, if you are planning to slow down (exiting, tolls, traffic). Coasting then accelerating again is LESS efficient than just cruising.
The above really works. Using those simple rules I was able to drive from Boston to NYC (210.5 miles) on just 5.112 gallon (94 Civic). That’s 41 MPG (94 Civic 187K miles). Actually I was speeding at 72 MPH so I could do even better at 55.
WOW !!
Good Luck….
No, do not down shift an automatic tranni! There’s no clutch!
But here’s what I do to save on gas. I drive 5 mph slower than the speed limit pretty much all the time.
That, & keep an eye on the oil / coolant levels.
Oh, forget the AC. That little compressor take a toll on your wallet.
i wouldn’t. there’s nothing wrong with coasting and stopping, that doesn’t do anything to the mpg. the accelerating is what wastes the most gas so try to keep the tacometer under 2, that saves a LOT of gas. i wouldn’t downshift, that might be ok for a truck but i wouldn’t do it on a car
Don’t downshift an automatic unless you are going down a steep hill and need the extra engine braking.All you are doing is causing excess heat in the transmission and revving the motor up is actually wasting fuel
Make sure to keep your tires inflated to 35psi and keep the air filter clean.No fast takeoffs and glide to a stop as you have been doing and you will probably p/u 20% better mileage.
That just makes the engine and transmission do the work of the brakes. It won’t kill you’re transmission, but it will make your transmission shift and work harder. Down shifting won’t save more fuel than just making slower/easier stops.
Don’t slam on the brakes, just slowly come to a stop. Saves you’re fuel and saves you’re trans.
The only time you should downshift is when going up and down hills.
Yeh, I agree with most of the other replies. Don’t downshift, coasting is fine. Smooth driving, with less acceleration and no hard braking is the best way to save fuel.
It won’t save any gas, but you can downshift as appropriate. That’s what they put that lever on there for.
Most cars, if you shift them in to 1rst gear at 100 mph, they won’t actually downshift at that speed. They are somewhat foolproof.