Shifting from Neutral to Drive

[G.I.G.]

Neither shifting to neutral or drafting semi's are safe alternatives to save a few bucks at the pump.

Here in Colorado, not only is it important to keep your car in drive while going down long, steep highway decents, sometimes it is advisable to shift to 4th or even 3rd. Especially if you are towing. The engine braking greatly improves control and braking ability and you'll still be getting great mpg's as apposed to driving up hill.

As for drafting semi's, yes, it is proven that over long periods of time you can improve your mpg's by tailgating a semi. However, it is extremely dangerous and disrespectful to truck drivers. Most (not all) long-haul truck drivers respect speed limits, laws, and show common courtesy to other drivers. Tailgating them so you can save a little change at the pump is not the way you want to thank them.

 

[Tomsriv]

Re: Re: Shifting from Neutral to Drive

I wouldn't recommend, especially if you have an A/T. Here's a general rule of thumb: try to shift as little as possible... For example, when you find a parking space, try to find one where you can park in the next slot in front of you, this way when you leave, you can just drive off, and not have to go from Park to Reverse, stop, then shift to Drive. One of the old school ways to test if a transmission is worn, is shifting (while stopped) from P to D, wait a moment, then shift to R, wait, shift back to D, repeat as needed. If there's no loud clanking then the A/T is likely in good condition.

True, although with some transmissions it is hard to tell. My auto instructor used to say in regards to transmissions "Chevies have heart attacks and Ford's get cancer" In other words, GM trannies were known for going out all of a sudden. Ford trannies were known for slow engagement and taking forever to die. I'm not sure if toyota trannies are more like Chevies or Fords. I hope they are like Chevies because of my 2 GM cars the trannies lasted close to 30 years and only cost $500 to rebuild,

 

[MikesToy]

I actually shift to N all the time coming downhill on the freeway.

I dont hear or feel anything. When I need to slow down, I just put it back into D.

I think Toyota made a tough enough tranny to accomodate this habit.

:lmao: