Originally Posted By: cancov
What about slipping it into neutral when letting off the gas? Let's say, exiting the interstate on the exit ramp, slipping it into N from 70 MPH, no motor revs, but just that transmission going from propelling the car to no stress at all. See any issues? I understand that a manual trans could handle this all day, what about a auto?
As long as the engine is running, shifting to N is fine. I only do it coasting down hills, gives me 120mpg for that stretch instead of 50-60mpg just feathering the throttle to maintain speed. On my hills doing this is good for about 10% increase in mileage for a tank.
As for the safety issue, I can't think of an instance where I would need the relatively small acceleration available at 55-60mph on a 2 lane road. Its probably safer to be coasting as I seem to automatically cover the brake so I could stop faster if a deer etc, decides to commit suicide.
Probably the Neon has now done many thousands of coasts with no issues.