I know we should turn off the engine when we expect a long delay or waiting someone. What about those short wait like behind a red light for less than a min. I have an automatic and if I switch from D to N, does it make any difference in gas consumption? I notice the idle RPM goes a little higher when switch to N compare with when I leaves it on D.
In my 2002 GMC, idle speed is about the same in N or D while stopped, but fuel usage is slightly more in D. Putting it in N saves me a miniscule amount of fuel.
going to neutral not only saves on gas, but saves on brakes also. brakes are air cooled, if you are traveling at speed and have to stop for a light putting your automatic transmission in neutral will allow the brakes to cool down. easier on the transmission also. better yet, coast to the light in neutral and leave it there til light changes
In my Odyssey minivan, the Scangauge reads .5 gph (gallons/hour) stopped in Drive, and it cycles between .5 and .4 gph in neutral. So let's call it .45.
A higher idle speed in hot weather will increase the coolant flow in the system so neutral which also give the torque converter a rest and the brake lights if you are on a level road.
Yes I am a firm believer that neutral is a little better on the engine at a stop, as for actual fuel savings I do it mostly out of principle. That is since hypermiling is a mindset to me this is a part of it, there are a few others, it's like being thrifty I do some things even if it doesn't save anything just because the mind gets set in that way.
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A FE gauge should be standard equipment in every vehicle.
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