I will be not be using the clutch in either case.
2006-12-14 16:25:13 · 13 answers · asked by man_nerism 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
In most countries it is ILLEGAL to descend a hill with the transmission in neutral.
2006-12-14 16:28:15 · answer #1 · answered by Audio God™ 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It will not make a difference as you are not stepping on the pedal in either case. Driving down in gear is safer even though it does stress the vehicle mechanicals more, because the wheels and vehicle momentum drive the engine instead of the other way around. The lower the gear the higher is the stress, but most vehicles are designed for this.
It is quite likely since the work done by the engine is reducing when it is being driven (even as compared to idling), that the engine management system may reduce the fuel being injected, which could translate to fuel savings.
2006-12-15 14:07:18 · answer #2 · answered by WizardofID 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
At a given road speed, lower gears mean higher revs and generally use more fuel. So you would use a high gear downhill to save fuel at least in a carburetted engine, unless you want to get some engine braking to save wear on the brake pads, or if your brakes fail, in which case you'd use a low gear. Yes, it would save fuel and in fact the Prius basically does that (turns off the engine and charges the battery), but here at least it's illegal in a regular car for some reason. It does take a certain amount of skill to restart the engine and match the speed when re-engaging gear - more than just changing gear.
2016-05-24 18:18:57 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
you should since you will be keeping the engine at lower rpms.
or
I have found that leaving the car in the correct gear for my speed, engaging the clutch and cutting the engine for long down hills helps with mileage a fair bit, depending on how many down hills to up hills you have on your drive. i generally notice a 3-7 mpg increase on long trips when i use this.
Be careful with this, it isn't without it's disadvantages! If you turn your key one click too many your steering will lock (you should only turn you key just enough to kill the engine, give it a few seconds and turn it back. when you want your engine again, just let off the clutch gently and you engine will be back on.)
If your car has power steering, you will loose this. generally you can still steer with out it, especially at interstate speeds, but it really depends on your car, and it might respond very differently than normal. you will also lose your power brakes. again you will still have them, but after using them they will become less and less responsive. at highway/interstate speeds this can naturally be very dangerous! Don't risk it if there is any chance you will have to stop quickly.
Another possible danger is modern cars! depending on your car, the computer may disprove of your little gas saving tricks, and do something finicky.
One way to get used to these things is to practice (odd as it sounds) on roads that have little traffic, and at low speeds. Think drive ways. If anything goes wrong then you will have plenty of time to get your car started back.
Happy Holidays and drive safely!
2006-12-14 16:50:13 · answer #4 · answered by Stainless Steel Machete? 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Probably. Even in a higher gear, the engine is still being turned by the transmission at higher rpm's than it would at idle, as when you are in neutral. The volume of fuel is proportionately increased due to the higher rpm's. The savings would be insignificant, though.
2006-12-14 16:29:37 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the car is in gear, you are coasting with your foot off the accelerator you will burn less fuel than with the transmission in neutral and the engine at idle.
Why?
Because with the transmission in gear the higher revs keep the engine turning and the PCM stops firing the injectors. At idle with the transmission in neutral the injectors have to start firing again to keep the engine running.
And of course its just plain dumb/unsafe to be in a moving vehicle with the transmission in neutral.
2006-12-15 01:44:08 · answer #6 · answered by Naughtums 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I suppose technically it might save some fuel, but unless you really go down some serious hills (mountains) every day, I don't think you'd ever notice the difference.
It's also illegal in most places, although I'm still unclear as to exactly why as I see no or very, very little compromise of control coasting downhill.
2006-12-14 16:44:36 · answer #7 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No as all are suggesting you & as per our experiences, you shoud drive to 1st or 2nd lower gears along with frequently uses of clutch & break.
Here is the matter of safty is primary & top most necessacity & fuel saving is secondary matter.
2006-12-14 20:33:57 · answer #8 · answered by Param 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is better to have the vehicle in gear esp. when going downhill. If the vehicle is in neutral it may gain too much speed that you may not be able to brake and stop when it has to be done.
2006-12-14 16:35:33 · answer #9 · answered by 2_b_or_not_2_b 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should not do it, it is very risky. The vehicle should be in the correct gear based on speed. You may not use the accelerator.
2006-12-14 16:33:47 · answer #10 · answered by Meeto 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋