Quote:
Originally Posted by jmaryt
keeping it in 6th (overdrive) most of the time will get you those results,as well as taking it out of gear and coasting to lights if possible,but truthfully,THAT can be a giant (p.i.t.a.)
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All vehicles built in the last decade have fuel cutoffs to save gas, when you're coasting in gear the engine doesn't use and gas and your momentum powers the accessories. When you pull it out of gear the engine will have to use fuel to power the accessories (water pump, A/C, brake booster, alternator etc. etc.).
In addition fuel consumption is a function of rpm, load and throttle position; basically having your foot flat on the floor to accelerate in 6th gear is less efficient than downshifting and using half throttle in 5th or 4th gear and then upshifting when you reach the desired speed, it will also take less time.
The less time you spend accelerating and using the brakes the more efficient you will be.