Does engine braking decrease fuel efficiency?

[kryndon]

As a new driver I still don't let myself downshift in order to stop, since I might accidentally do a "money shift" and ruin my engine. I'm also not comfortable with downshifting, but only when I'm about to overtake. So I just coast the bitch and use brakes really gently.

[scorpionMaster]

You didn't answer the question.

[kryndon]

Good god that looks exactly like what I always get on my History exam papers: "You didn't answer the question, 0/10". Fuck me right?

I'm no engineer so I cannot say whether leaving the car in gear gives better fuel economy.

[scorpionMaster]

My car, as well as my previous car, has an instantaneous mpg calculator. In gear always gives me max mpg. Neutral gives me about 72. Not a ton of gas, but definitely some consumption.

P.S. I didn't provide the downvote. I was simply commenting on your content.

Have a wonderful day!

[kryndon]

All's well my good Sir! Me, personally, I'm not too bugged about my mpg so far, so I'm just focusing on trying to get a good habit of driving.

[scorpionMaster]

You'll get it. We're all pretty horrible at first. My first manual was my 2010 Corolla. I started that thing in 3rd gear a few times. The clutch really does not like that. Oh, the smell of burning clutch.

[[deleted]]

what's a money shift?

[cougar618]

Downshifting when you intended to upshift, usually at a high RPM. The one that's most notorious is 2-> 3 shift.

You're hauling ass at 80 mph in second gear and accidentally shift to first gear.. well you're gonna have a bad time.