Quote:
Originally Posted by EricRyan
Why do you use the engine to brake? The way I see it, a motor idling at 2,000rpm will use more gas than one idling at 500-1000rpm. It seems that clutching in/shifting into neutral and using the brakes would be more fuel efficient.
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The engine isn't idling at 2000 rpm, it is being "driven" by the car. FI systems shut off fuel when the speed is over idle and the throttle is closed. The downside is that the compression of the engine slows the car quicker than being in neutral.
The skill is in choosing the best method based on the road you are on - steep downhill stay in gear - no fuel used and gravity overcomes the compression. On the flat or on a shallow descent then go for neutral so you "glide" for longer without losing speed but the engine is using fuel to idle (usually 800-1000 rpm).
EDIT - or in the latter case shut off the engine altogether. We have EOC which can be EO(n)C or EO(ff)C depending if the engine is on or off.