What gets the best gas mileage for a stick shift when coasting?

Question

Is it better to shift into N and let the car roll using gravity + momentum; or is it better to leave the car in gear without applying gas? If so, which gear should I choose? Should I downshift when coming to a stop? (I drive a 4 cyl 5 speed)

Answer 1

i'm not to sure on the gasmilage but you should shift into nutral when coming to a stop and then when you stop shift back into first

Answer 2

I drive a 5 speed as well... I use N alot.   I live in a hilly area so there are downhill areas almost everywhere I go, so i'm practically in N more than in gear.  About the gas mileage... using N saves gas a bunch, my car has a MPG reader on it and when i shift into N it will gradually go up to 99mpg(which is max on the electronic).  When I leave the car in gear but give it no gas it will still gradually go up but only to about 50-60.

Downshifting is going to put wear and tear on your vehicle... just use the brakes... brake pads aren't that expensive and thats what they are made for.

Hope it helps.

Answer 3

Downshifting saves wear and tear on your brakes. Leaving the car in gear while drifting will cause some drag. Better to shift to neutral or push in the clutch

Hey Log...downshifting to stop does not use more gas. You don't press the gas pedal when downshifting to stop. How long have you been driving?

Answer 4

keeping the car in a gear will actually slow the car faster than if you keep the car in neutral, and also the rpm will be higher if you keep it in gear. so neutral is the best way to go.

hope that helps.

Answer 5

If you have a steep hill then you will want to leave it in 5th gear otherwise you will go too fast.  Coasting down a hill that will hold your speed then place in netural.  Downshifting to stop will use more gas,  Vehicles are well equip to stop without you downshifting.

Answer 6

For all safety reasons, do not put the car in N and coast.. at this point the car is free wheeling and not under control. Down shifting can be fun, but does use more gas by doing so.