I have a strange question that I couldn't find info on via search in the forum.
My son has a strange habit of shifting to neutral at stop lights to save fuel, I guess. I don't think it saves anything and reduces the life of the transmission. Is there any good reason for him to do this?
Thanks Jay

 

If an auto trans there is some increased load on the engine with the trans in gear. Have your son do this for a few tank fulls then check MPG, suspect he will not be able to tell the differance.

One other way to look at it is with each shift, the trans must work the clutches, brakes, etc. Over time this increases wear, who knows how much. Why increase wear to save a few cents at pump.

If the car is stuck at a standstill for long time such as an accident then yes, could see putting it in Neutral as this will reduce the trans fluid operating temp and engine load.

If a manual trans, then this would make much more sense but not from a MPG standpoint.

 

I always do this to my 1995 Camry. down long hills- neutral. Long lights ,and traffic - neutral.
I bought the Camry used ,2004, 186000 miles. The car has aged gracefully, with light repairs , most of which iI do as preventative maintenance.
It boasts 227000 miles, all shifting Neutral. Love your Camry, Love your car.

 

Neutral on downhills is not recommended. If you think about it your foot is off the throttle anyway so gas savings is nonexistent. You also have less control over the car's speed and will increase brake wear and heat fade if you need to maintain speed. Putting the auto trans in neutral for stopped traffic, especially in high heat, can reduce the chance of engine overheat and as Toyomoho says keep trans heat down.

 

Yeah, since because the gear is engaged, it doesn't intend that you are always consuming more fuel than the neutral state.
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