I live on the edge of the rockies and I travel into/through them 3 to 4 times a month. In the interest of saving my trans and increasing fuel economy, i often shift over to N and let the van coast some, on some of the descents. Not always the best decision, especially if traffic is heavy or the grade is super steep, so I only do it when/where appropriate. If I don't know the road, I tend not to coast.
But for many of the CO highways a substantial mileage increase can be realized by coasting. "Hypermiling", as it were. Not to mention that you don't have the frustration of the trans constantly hunting for the right gear.
I've got 35,000 miles on the van now. Took the van in for an oil change and tire rotation yesterday and they rated the front brakes as 9/10, and the rears as 10/10. Even with the heavy use on the aforementioned descents, at this rate these brakes may last the life of the van!
I've read anecdotal (and vague) statements about how coasting is bad for the trans, or the catalytic system. Can anyone shed some real light on this, without repeating said vague and anecdotal info?
Thanks much.
But for many of the CO highways a substantial mileage increase can be realized by coasting. "Hypermiling", as it were. Not to mention that you don't have the frustration of the trans constantly hunting for the right gear.
I've got 35,000 miles on the van now. Took the van in for an oil change and tire rotation yesterday and they rated the front brakes as 9/10, and the rears as 10/10. Even with the heavy use on the aforementioned descents, at this rate these brakes may last the life of the van!
I've read anecdotal (and vague) statements about how coasting is bad for the trans, or the catalytic system. Can anyone shed some real light on this, without repeating said vague and anecdotal info?
Thanks much.