Using DFCO to increase your MPG

[Falconia]

I just read ecomodder 100+ Tips for better fuel efficiency and I saw this:

Originally Posted by ecomodder.com

Braking tips ...

44) The most efficient way to slow down

When you *have* to slow down, here's an approximate heirarchy of methods, from best to worst.

1) coasting in neutral, engine off (ie. roll to a stop);
2) coasting in neutral, engine idling;
3) regenerative coasting (hybrid vehicles)
4) regenerative braking (hybrid vehicles)
5) coasting in "deceleration fuel cut-off" mode (in gear, above a certain engine RPM)
6) conventional friction braking (non-hybrid or hybrid)

Choosing the right method depends on traffic conditions (following vehicles) and how quickly you need to stop.

REALLY?! Is it really more efficient to coast in neutral, with engine idling than using DFCO?! I thought DFCO cuts the fuel and it is better way to slow down...

[BailOut]

Originally Posted by Falconia

REALLY?! Is it really more efficient to coast in neutral, with engine idling than using DFCO?! I thought DFCO cuts the fuel and it is better way to slow down...

Hello Falconia,

There are times and places for both techniques. If you only have a short distance to worry about, or you are going downhill, or you know you are likely going to stop then DFCO is best as it allows you to decelerate without fuel usage.

But if you would rather maintain more of your speed over a longer distance then coasting in neutral is better as it takes much less fuel to idle for a short while than it does to re-accelerate from a major momentum loss.