Is it safe to do this or does this put unnecessary wear on the transmission? Is it safe to shift from D to N to coast down a hill and then shift back into D from N at the bottom? I searched online, but there seems to be a lot of conflicting information on this.

 

you will probably get a lot more conflicting information on this site lol. i'd say it should be fine since the computer is smart enough to know what is going on and handle it. but, others might say something different. bring on the flame!

 

i did it while i had an automatic car (my first car). but to be safe i wouldn't do it again if i have an expensive car

 

our cars have an automatic fuel cutoff when you are coasting with your foot off th gas pedal. by putting the car in nuetral you are overriding the fuel cutoff and telling the car to start pumping fuel to keep the car idling. so its not worth it gas wise. and its not worth the extra strain on your tranny

 

^^ Bingo! That's all you really need to know.

 

to much work. when i was 18 i was more worried about the piece of ass in the passenger seat and not my gas mileage or whatever youre trying to do.

 

oh the old days.

I wouldn't do it, just let it coast. It's not going to save you much and in the long run might mess up the trans because when you do put it back in D it needs to shoot up to the gear it should be in depending on speed....

 

I always kinda debated this as well cause I have to drive over a mountain everyday.


I could probably coast in N for like 5 miles, but leaving it in gear, I have to be on the gas a little to maintain my speed. Not sure which uses more gas, cause I know coasting in gear uses no gas, but I never really liked the feeling of forcing it in and out of gear going 70....

 

What kind of car are we talking about?

 

Nailed it on the head.

The car also might not do the best in rev matching to shift back into gear and well thats not good. The car recognizes the hill descent and takes its own action. Keeping the car in gear also helps with engine braking.

 

I don't think you're really saving anything. If it's that much of a concern, then buy (or have your parents) buy you a Prius or some other hybrid car where the regenerative braking and coasting can save some $$$.

And with above, the tranny helps with engine braking, so you won't use 100% brakes when slowing down.

 

Since its already been said, I'll add my own advice....


Buy a car that's stickshift