Finer points of P&G

[PaleMelanesian]

Power steering is not an issue with these civics. If his even has it, the difference is almost imperceptible with it on or off. 10% higher effort during EOC, maybe.

Brakes - yeah. Like always, you get 3-4 pumps before you run out of vacuum assist.

[daqcivic]

MetroMPG, you're right to remind a newbie not to try things that might compromise awareness and safety. As it is, I already have quite a bit of practice with EOC. Palemelanesian's right that the loss of power steering doesn't affect the Civic much, and I know how much brake pressure I have on reserve once the engine's shut off. The last 1/2 mile to work is all down hill, with 1 right and 1 left turn but no stops, and I routinely key-off for this period.

I do have a friend who, after I showed him EOC, was with another friend and wanted to demonstrate not only keyed-off but, for dramatic flair, removed the key from the ignition switch—around a corner! He was able to stop but did put one wheel on the curb. Needless to say I chastised him, as did the wife of his passenger.

[RH77]

I have to agree with MetroMPG here -- popping a curb while engine-off coasting is a flagrant offense to the notion of "Hypermiling" or "Eco-Driving".

The driver has to be comfortably trained in a private environment before attempting such actions. Every vehicle is different too, so that must be considered. The implications of safety, impact the entire genre of saving fuel and how Society (read: insurance industry) views the practice.

I say to practice in a large parking lot without obstruction, before trying it on the road. I had a bad experience with a Canadian Chrysler 300 -- it was differently designed than the USDM 300. The ignition had to be completely off (locking the wheel) before restart. Let's say we ended up on the side of the road in the Canadian Rockies to restart the car on an EOC attempt.

Bottom line? Every car, every time: practice off-road.

RH77