Drive or Neutral...that is the question

monkeyboybongo · Post by **monkeyboybongo** » Tue Jan 08, 2008 9:05 pm

Please can you settle a debate we have going here. When you pull up at a set of traffic lights or stop for a few minutes is it best to put the box into neutral or stay in drive with your foot on the brake?

Does it actually make a difference to the bongo or is there no difference at all?

Cheers y'all

MBB

bongo rbk · Post by **bongo rbk** » Tue Jan 08, 2008 9:06 pm

I'll have to keep an eye on this one

John the sparky · Post by **John the sparky** » Tue Jan 08, 2008 9:15 pm

surely you would use more fuel in drive, as the torque convertor is still engaged so the engine is working harder....

I'm guessing the difference is miniscule... but I'm sure Torchwood is probably the man to answer that, from what I've read...

should you not put it in park anyway?

John

Ralph · Post by **Ralph** » Tue Jan 08, 2008 9:28 pm

If I think I will be stopped for more than 20/30 sec I tend
to knock it into N sometimes I even go into N just before I stop
the book says if the vehicle will be stopped for some time
change to N but does not give a clue as to how long that
is in min or sec.

trevd01 · Post by **trevd01** » Tue Jan 08, 2008 10:52 pm

Can't find the thread. If it was in 'chat' it would probably be gone.

Gist of thread was experienced auto users relax and leave in drive.

Autoboxes are designed to be left in drive after all. On my other car there is pretty much no option, it would be awkward/dangerous/impossible to do anything other than leave in drive.

My instructions to a new auto driver:

"Put it in drive when you set off. When you arrive and are parked, put it in park. Repeat as necessary."

moonshine · Post by **moonshine** » Tue Jan 08, 2008 11:15 pm

I have driven autos regularly for over 30 years, and my normal course of action is to leave it in drive unless I know that I am going to be stationary for at least a couple of minutes or more.

Regarding the difference in fuel consumption, I doubt whether putting it in neutral every time you stop would save more than a few pence a year. After all, which uses more fuel, idling under light load at 800 rpm or idling off-load at 850 rpm?

B*Witched Blingo · Post by **B*Witched Blingo** » Tue Jan 08, 2008 11:35 pm

Dad told me, " you put in Neutral and always apply the handbrake when stationary. If you are hit from behind and your foot jumps off the brake pedal you will not lurch forward and potentially cause more damage". It's a habit I have just got into.... Safety 1st...

trevd01 · Post by **trevd01** » Wed Jan 09, 2008 12:07 am

ROSPA wrote:When stationary in traffic, even for many minutes, it is not necessary to move the gear lever into neutral because the torque converter absorbs the engine’s propulsion force but does not transmit it all to the gearbox. No wear is taking place. In fact, more wear will take place if you engage neutral then engage a drive gear when it is possible to move off. Most gearboxes will automatically select first gear when the vehicle becomes stationary.

While guidance may be given regarding the correct actions in certain circumstances, not all eventualities can be covered. The following is intended as general guidance in some common sets of circumstances.

You should cover the footbrake when moving the gear lever when the vehicle is stationary. You may wish to set the parking brake as many vehicles will ‘creep’ and some vehicles may have a tendency to lurch, particularly if fitted with an automatic choke. Stops in traffic, at junctions and at traffic lights leave the selector in D. There is no need to move into neutral, as no damage will result. You may wish to set the parking brake if the pause becomes a wait but your decision will depend on the circumstances.

http://www.rospa.com/roadsafety/advice/ ... rboxes.htm

The Great Pretender · Post by **The Great Pretender** » Wed Jan 09, 2008 12:54 am

As im now the tallest thing in the traffic jam D or N dont matter. I switch mine off as I can see when the lights change or traffic starts moving.

bighairypict · Post by **bighairypict** » Wed Jan 09, 2008 1:29 am

I thought I was being lazy by not putting it into P during a long wait

(give me a break - I've only been driving an auto for 2 weeks) but nobody has mentioned this. Seems I was OK leaving it in D (except for the hold-up with a white van in a ditch - I switched off on that occasion).

So is P only for when the engine is off - can someone confirm this for me?

The Great Pretender · Post by **The Great Pretender** » Wed Jan 09, 2008 1:44 am

bighairypict wrote:I thought I was being lazy by not putting it into P during a long wait (give me a break - I've only been driving an auto for 2 weeks) but nobody has mentioned this. Seems I was OK leaving it in D (except for the hold-up with a white van in a ditch - I switched off on that occasion).

So is P only for when the engine is off - can someone confirm this for me?

Yes I can, no it isn't.

bigdaddycain · Post by **bigdaddycain** » Wed Jan 09, 2008 7:52 am

I used to always engage neutral when stopped at traffic lights...After reading the last thread on this subject, i changed to leaving the bongo in drive at the lights. When i used to knock her into neutral,there was the odd occasion where i'd get caught out by the lights changing to green quicker than i expected,then a mad scrabble for drive would ensue!

Just leave it in drive if stopped for only a minute or two....no harm done.

dandywarhol · Post by **dandywarhol** » Wed Jan 09, 2008 12:10 pm

"P" can be used with the engine either on or off BHP..............P is also handy when parked up for a long time on a reasonably level ground to save the handbrake shoes seizing on

I park on a slope and always apply the handbrake BEFORE engaging P - less strain on the gearbox selector pawl that way.

heatherpetch · Post by **heatherpetch** » Wed Jan 09, 2008 11:17 pm

we always put in neutral

samuel · Post by **samuel** » Wed Jan 09, 2008 11:38 pm

I'm a neutral man. MMmmmm!!!!

If i take my foot off the footbrake whilst in D my Bongo creeps forward. Probably into the back of the vehicle in front.

Neutral for me everytime.

Actually this is what i said in the last thread on this subject.