Is it true that you don't waste gas if you are going downhill and not pressing on the gas pedal?

Question

I always think I'm saving gas whenever I go downhill and just let the car ride...am I right? You only waste gas when you hit the gas pedal right? I know it's a dumb question but I know very little about cars...I know how to put the gas in and drive the darn thing...that's it!! Any help would be appreciated!

Answer 1

You do save in terms that you use less gas to go downhill. You still use some gas. Turn off your engine and switch to neutral gear to waste no gas at all...

Don't do it on the road :P

Answer 2

Forget your gas mileage.  Safety and road courtesy are far more important than a tiny difference in gas mileage.  Maintain a constant speed, whether going uphill or down.

Answer 3

Well, You arnt using very much gas but as long as the engine is runnig, you are using some gas.

Answer 4

You are saving gas going down hill,and "not" accelerating. (speeding) <}:-})

Answer 5

You are burning minimal gas but you are not adding to it by not pressing the gas pedal so your doing right.. To save gas, they say to drive as if you have an uncooked egg under your gas pedal and you dont' want to break the egg.

Answer 6

You are right.  Some go further  and shut off the engine going down hill because that will save even more gas.  But that affects the power steering and brakes and could lock up the steering wheel.  The gentler you are with the gas, the better.

Answer 7

You use very little gas when you do not push the gas pedal when you are in gear.  If you take it out of gear and put the car in idle mode, you use more gas than you think.

Answer 8

Going down hill will not suck more gas through the engine.  But engine drag is the same as slamming your foot on the brake.

With a manual transmission, you can put your foot on the clutch.  Try it.  You'll see that you can coast farther.

Answer 9

Yes, you are write. I do the same thing, when I'm going downhill i put my car into neutral, take my foot of the gas and let it coast.

the car still uses gas just because the engine is still running but it only uses about 1/5 the amount of gas.