Hello...and a question!
 

Hello! Like many, I have become interested in hypermiling over the last few weeks, and have been practicing some of the basics. My results so far have been small, but noticeable.

I already have a question, though! (Actually, a two-parter.)

1) The "105 tips" mentions backing into a parking space. However, I have been "auto stopping" into my parking space at home. I would imagine that this is more of a savings than the backing in trick. True? It's a fairly long coast in from the main road.

2) My car has an auto transmission (PT Cruiser). Can I damage the transmission with the auto-stop maneuver? My common sense tells me no, but I thought I read somewhere that auto transmissions could be damaged by "operating" the vehicle with the engine off.

Thanks!
Joe

Greetings Joe & welcome,

I am not familiar with "auto stopping" -- what does it mean?

Take a look at your owners manual and see what it says about towing a car equipped with an automatic transmission with the drive wheels on the road. Usually the rule is that it should not go over 30 MPH or more than 30 miles with the engine off. Once I towed a car with an automatic transimission a long distance with a tow bar. I kept it idling in neutral to keep oil going to the bearings. If they dry out they can get a lot of wear and then the transmission may lose oil pressure and not shift into gear at idle speed. I've heard that overfilling the transmission with fluid is another way to protect the bearings during towing.

So, to answer your question, the transmission should not be damaged if you keep under 30 MPH when you have the engine off.

Neil:

An auto-stop is shifting the car into neutral, killing the engine, and coasting to a stop.

Welcome to the site.

I'd definitly coast to the parking spot if its safe for the tranny. The gains from parking face out are small compared to coasting a good distance.

Agreed with Daox. And definitely make sure your vehicle can be safely "operated" in N with the engine off.