CVT = Great for Engine Braking
#21
08-01-2014 | 09:04 AM
I know in the last few generation VWs when you are going above 40 MPH and let off the gas pedal the car will coast using zero gas. The injectors (measured with a dwell gauge) are actually shut off, and the car engine brakes (not a lot though). I would assume then leaving the vehicle in gear (in this case) will achieve optimal MPG results (neutral would need gas to keep the engine at idle speed). The engine braking was so minimal that you really coasted about as far in gear or in neutral anyways.
Course that only works if you are going 40+. After that the engine kicks in whether in neutral or not, to provide faster power if you need it.
Course that only works if you are going 40+. After that the engine kicks in whether in neutral or not, to provide faster power if you need it.
Our Hondas have this also. I believe it's called DFCO.
As long as u down shift and keep rims above 900 or 1000 ( I forget the cut off ) the car will use vertually no gas.
There is a thread or 2 on this site about it. To lazy myself to look for it but if u search u will find answers.
#22
08-01-2014 | 09:52 PM
Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 953
From: NY
I only ever paddle down shift for breaking in snow and/or ice to help avoid sliding out, coming up to a stop sign or traffic light. Other than that, I use speed judgement whenever possible so I can coast or coast to stop to at least reduce some breaking, and to increase gentle breaking at that- hoping to go easier on the pads.
#23
08-02-2014 | 05:09 PM
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Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,545
From: SoCal, CA
Putting it in neutral uses more gas.
Engine braking - Wheels are driving the engine. All fuel is cut off because the driving of the wheels is enough to keep the engine alive.
Neutral Coasting - Wheels aren't driving the engine, fuel is needed to keep the engine alive.
Engine braking - Wheels are driving the engine. All fuel is cut off because the driving of the wheels is enough to keep the engine alive.
Neutral Coasting - Wheels aren't driving the engine, fuel is needed to keep the engine alive.
There is some RPM below which the injectors start to work for drivability, to prevent a stall. I've no idea where Honda puts this.
Using a lot of engine braking will probably increase engine or transmission wear a bit. You can't have it go through more cycles without incurring wear. The same can be said for the friction brakes, but of course they are easily replaceable.
The other place where wear will increase is in the front tires. They already take the lion's share of wear and using a lot of engine braking will
add a bit more. Tire rotation will spread this around, but you also have to think of the CV joints.
Since Honda designed the CVT for economy it is probably best to let it run the show. Rowing the lever or flipping the paddles will probably make things worse in most cases.
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Raziaar
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