Quote:
Originally Posted by jeff88
When I am driving at speed and see a red light or traffic ahead or anything else I don't need to keep my speed for, I put the transmission in neutral. This lowers the RPMs, so I *think* I am saving fuel (still waiting on my Ultragauge to confirm/perfect). The problem is when the engine is still cold, the RPMs go up when I put it into neutral. At first I thought that I don't want to let that happen, but then I was thinking would it be beneficial for me, because the higher RPM will heat the ICE up faster, making it more efficient, sooner. I'm hoping my Ultragauge will help me determine this, but was wondering what you guys thought.
Thanks!
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Your car is still on fast idle because it is not up to operating temp yet. That's why the idle RPM is higher when it's not in gear. If it is an automatic, leave it in drive. The transmission load will generate heat and take it off fast idle sooner. Either way the fuel saved will be minimal.