On driving in neutral

28 Oct 2003

Got questions about the environment? Ask Umbra.

Dear Umbra,

I have a question about getting the most miles per gallon. If you put your car into neutral at stops or going downhill, do you save any gas? My car is an automatic.

Jeff
Verona, N.J.

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Dearest Jeff,

Another great question we have all pondered. Louisa and her fellow mechanics thought you might save a little gas. Let me be more specific: a very, very small amount of gas. Droplets.

In the final cost-benefit analysis, those droplets you save cannot compare to what you risk. Should you suddenly need to execute an accident-avoiding maneuver while coasting in neutral, you would be hosed. (That's a technical automotive term.) A variety of horrifying things might happen, to wit: Getting back into gear would occupy the split second you had to avoid the accident. Or you would successfully get back in gear, only to realize that your engine had died while you were in neutral and that your brakes and steering had locked. Or that your brake fluid had superheated, rendering your brakes useless.

Coincidentally, coasting in neutral is illegal in many states.

Putting it in park at a stoplight seems to pose no danger. Plus, it'll save you a wee bit o' gasoline. Go to town!

Neutrally,
Umbra

Yours is to wonder why, hers is to answer (or try). Please send Umbra any nagging question pertaining to the environment -- but first check out her FAQs!

The claims made in this column may not reflect the views of this magazine. Neither the magazine nor the author guarantees that any advice contained in this column is wise or safe. Please use this column at your own risk.

Umbra Fisk is Grist Research Associate II, Hardcover and Periodicals Unit, floors 2B-4B.

Comments: (1 comment)

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driving in neutral

Dear all,
driving in neutral is simply a fantastic way to drive!! Not just in order to spare gasoline (still it is true, you actually spare a good amount of gas)but to enjoy a relaxing funny driving..And it is not dangerous for a good driver..it is even safer than a normal driving. In fact anyone knows that braking is most difficult when you were accelerating and you have suddenly to stop..Why? Because of the inertia of the accelerator pedal..Well, when you are in neutral, pedal is still therefore when puttin gear (best in manual gear)you obtain the best effect from the engine brake! It is not just a theory..I'm speaking after driving more than 300.000 miles in twenty years (of which 20.000 in US with automatic gear). I coast down in neutral from any alpine road, in downtown, in highway, etc..
With any kind of car!! Never any problems with gears or brakes (I actually use them less than a normal driver)
I will learn my children to do the same!!

by brooks at 2:02 PM on 24 Jun 2007

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