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Many questions on if we should shift to neutral when at stop lights. But I've developed a habit to shift to neutral when going downhill or far away approaching a stop light to avoid unnecessary speed-ups/breakings. I feel there will be less stress generally on car so I shift to neutral as much as possible.
Is it harmful by any means?
I've heard shifting itself causes wears and harms to gears. I have a Toyota Corolla 2013 if that makes a difference.
This is a driving technique question that will end up closed.
Using engine braking when going downhill reduces the load on the brakes and as some have found brake fade can be an issue.
Slowing down for lights from a distance is good driving practice - it’s called anticipation, but not sure about your “unnecessary speed ups” - controlling the accelerator is an important driving skill.
Most modern fuel injection engines use no fuel when in gear but off the gas, as the momentum of the car will keep the pistons moving, so you're actually using more gas than you need to if you're in neutral.
Being in gear also utilises engine braking. When going down a hill, being in a low gear, say 2nd or 3rd for a manual but works with automatics too, depending on the slope, will naturally stop the car from picking up too much speed, meaning you don't need to use your brakes constantly, saving on wear.
Being in gear also means you don't need to first put it into gear if you need to react to something, like a skid you need to correct. So it's safer from that perspective.
