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I have to agree with yfin, as a previous owner of an Astra I can definitely say that even though the gearbox is designed to select neutral when brake is applied and vehicle is stationary that after 65000klms the gearbox was clunkier going into gear on takeoff.
If you take Holdens word for it that it saves about 3%, then 20000klm at 10l/100klm and at best your going to save $75 a year. That's $75 I'm not going to save as I don't think it's worth risking my gearbox. I also think you could save a lot more than 3% by altering driving style alone. I'm not willing to risk hurting my $35000 car for $1.50 a week.
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I agree. (re: auto gearbox not automatically going into neutral at stop)
But how about engine breaking with a manual car? I do it fairly often but only to down to 3rd gear. (not 1st and 2nd)
To me, 3rd gear is the best balance gear for slowing down the car for stop braking and not being as harsh on the gearbox as 1st and 2nd.
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When I drive an auto... I might shift it from D to N when I know I'm waiting on the same spot for more than 5 mins etc
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Actually, I sometimes flick to neutral to smooth out the idle and not to save fuel. I find that with the air-con on, my car sometimes vibrates a little at idle. Shifting to neutral tends to eliminate it. Anyway, I'll think I'll leave in D now. Not worth the risk I reckon.
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Seriously... the amount of money which can be saved is minimal compared with any maintenance required. You would be better off going easier on the accelerator.
