Father, commuter, n00b

[ankit]

I did the engine off coasting in my automatic for a week or so but since have stopped because the members here and another (altima specific) forum i frequent at have convinced me that there might be damage occurring and I am not going to risk it for a couple of bucks.

http://forum.ecomodder.com/showthrea...53.html?t=1153

You can come to your own conclusion there^ because there are mixed answers.
I guess it depends on the vehicle.

[DifferentPointofView]

It really depends on the vehicle. Some vehicles read the speed and decide which gear to go into. Most don't though

I only Engine off coast when I know I'm gonna completely stop, such as in my driveway.

One thing about shifting into neutral, only do it when your below 30 as a guideline. You can shift into neutral at a stoplight for instance, since you will use less fuel. While in Drive your engine uses more fuel to keep it running since obviously it's still trying to move, but your not letting it. so in neutral, it eases the burden, and you use less fuel. But when you put it in drive, wait till the car starts moving on it's own before using the gas.

[MetroMPG]

The other issue, aside from shifting back into gear, is lubrication. Can the vehicle be flat towed or not (all wheels on the ground)? If your manual says "NO", it's because the transmission internals aren't being lubricated when the engine is off, so long engine-off glides could potentially damage it.

One reason some Saturn models were so popular to tow behind RV's is because their automatic trannys could be towed in neutral without damage.

PS. welcome to the forum!

[DifferentPointofView]

OH yes! welcome, I completely forgot Welcome to EM!

[raddevon]

Thanks to everyone for the hospitality. I have gotten tons of great information from you guys so far. I have just about decided a gas scooter might be my best bet for serious gas savings. I'm going to try to test drive one this week and may buy soon. I also plan to get a ScanGauge for my Accord as I will still have to use it in some instances. Thanks for everything. I'm sure I will be back with many more questions as my adventure in the land of hardcore fuel economy continues. In fact, I have already posted a list of questions about gas scooters in the Alternative Vehicles forum. You guys will regret letting me join soon enough.