More fuel efficient drivers = better drivers?

[Baluncore]

You were kidding when you said you PWM your throttle, right?

I have a 1950 Rover P4 “cyclops” here. It has a freewheel clutch designed for Pulse and Glide economy driving. There is a switch on the dash to disable the freewheel clutch when engine braking is needed descending hills. Pulse and Glide is OK when you are on an empty road, but with heavier traffic it is more relaxing for everyone to maintain a steady speed. As the model developed over the next few years, the freewheel clutch was replaced with an overdrive unit.

 

[John Archer]

I think we have different definitions of "better". I'm with LawrenceC Here (Former motorcycle road racing instructor for 5 years here).
If I want to be very fuel efficient, provided the risks are low, I'm going to be cornering at a speed as close to the speed limit as is safe.
I'll be choosing lines that allow for maximum speed based on the limits of the vehicle.

While I can't say how it works for ALL cars, in general, one can often tell if the fuel injection system is giving you a small amount of fuel as you are "engine braking". In a straight line, kill the ignition. if the tone of your exhaust changes...your fuel injection system is giving you fuel while decelerating.

I do NOT recommend this! You will lose power steering until you fire the engine again. And I don't know if they would mess up any other electronics or controls and the newest cars.

I can say that MY vehicle definitely gives the engine at least a minimal amount of fuel while on trailing throttle. ;-)

 

[essenmein]

I think we have different definitions of "better". I'm with LawrenceC Here (Former motorcycle road racing instructor for 5 years here).
If I want to be very fuel efficient, provided the risks are low, I'm going to be cornering at a speed as close to the speed limit as is safe.
I'll be choosing lines that allow for maximum speed based on the limits of the vehicle.

While I can't say how it works for ALL cars, in general, one can often tell if the fuel injection system is giving you a small amount of fuel as you are "engine braking". In a straight line, kill the ignition. if the tone of your exhaust changes...your fuel injection system is giving you fuel while decelerating.

I do NOT recommend this! You will lose power steering until you fire the engine again. And I don't know if they would mess up any other electronics or controls and the newest cars.

I can say that MY vehicle definitely gives the engine at least a minimal amount of fuel while on trailing throttle. ;-)

FYI killing an engine, esp in more modern FWD automatics can be risky, some loose lubrication oil pressure in the transmission with the engine not spinning!

 

[John Archer]

The engine would still be spinning.

 

[essenmein]

The engine would still be spinning.

If its still spinning then you should also still have power steering, depending on how electric this assist is off course, but older hydraulics should keep working.

My comment is really more for engine off coasting, ie transmission in neutral, engine off, at some non zero road speed, aside from the very real danger of loosing power steering and brake assist in this condition, you risk damaging your transmission.