With the high prices of gas lately (you have to get a loan to fill up) I've gotten into the habit of sometimes coasting down long hills in neutral. I only do this when I can go the speed limit via this method, and traffic is light. I was wondering the opinion the masses has on this. Does idling vs driving down hills save you gas, and is it enough to even bother with? I should say that I drive an 18 wheeler and coasting down hills is absolutely verboten for obvious reasons, but you can stop a car a lot faster (especially one with 4 wheel disk brakes). Is it worth it? I would say in drive, the engine slows while going down a hill but not as much as idling. So, I guess what I'm asking is am I wrong for doing this and is it worth it? Be nice now.....
- posted
18 years ago