Coasting in Neutral?
 

I drive through the western NC mountains quite often, and coasting down in Neutral definitely improves MPG. Is there any harm in the constant shifting between Drive and Neutral when going up and down grades?

BTW, I DO coast in Neutral down steep grades right now - I want to make sure my brakes are replaced under the standard warranty!

Pls post your VIN so people know the car to avoid.

I believe I read in the BMW manual that coasting is not recommended. In fact I don't believe any manufacturer recommends it. Here is an article I found on the web...

Coasting in Neutral or Gear to Save Gas - Coasting and Fuel Economy - Popular Mechanics

Coasting in neutural actually uses more gas than coasting in gear. I coast in gear all the time when I am going down a slope.

Why would you want to heat up brakes and risk them fading/failing when needed?

Thanks for the info. I feel like I've been spanked, it won't happen again.

Nothing wrong with learning something new. I am sure that at one time or other when we were younger most of us thought it was OK to coast in neutral. But remember what happened to Michael Milton!!!

I'll bite - who's Michael Milton, and what happened to him?

He was a character in "The World According to Garp." He was "bitten" by his girlfriend in a parked car when Garp caused an accident while coasting.

When I was young, most of my friends and I loved to put into neutral when gonig downhill. Silly us!! IMO, coasting in neutral does safe a bit gas but of course it costs brake, gears and maybe life if acciedent happens.

Coasting in neutral uses more fuel than staying in gear. When the torque converter is locked up (on the X5 this is above >40km/h), the vehicle uses no fuel-yes, zero- when coasting in gear. In contrast when coasting in N, the vehicle uses a small amount, approx 3,2 l/100km to keep revs at idle.

In addition to the safety hazards (less control) of coasting in neutral, this is also illegal in Virginia (§ 46.2-811)