Does neutral really save gas?

Question

me and my friends have been argueing wether neutral really saves gas compared to just being in drive and not stepping on the gas... can someone explain this to me???

Answer 1

You CAN save a little gas by coasting  while you are between lights or whatever, but it is illegal in some places, and causes the brakes to wear out faster.

It's easier to replace gas than brakes.

If you are stopped, neutral will make it use MORE gas, as the engine speeds up a little in neutral.

Answer 2

Why would you start the engine and then leave it in neutral? Of course it uses less gas, but you're not going anywhere so why start the motor to begin with. Putting the car in drive without moving will use the same amount of gas as just idling.

Answer 3

It's actually not true of an automatic transmission.  If the car is in drive and you're sitting still, the engine turns over about 100 rpm slower than if it was idling in neutral.

The drag of the transmission slows the engine.  When the car is in neutral, the engine spins free and revs slightly higher, using just a bit more gasoline.

Answer 4

I've heard that too, I think its because when your car is in drive your car saids "lets go!" but when its in Neutral its basically idling (sitting back and relaxing). Hope This helps