Horrible Gas Mileage
#33
11-21-2009, 11:20 PM
#34
11-23-2009, 12:52 AM
For instance, on long trips, if I'm careful to drive at a constant speed or if I use the cruise control, I average almost 30 mpg, usually in the 29 mpg range (I'm ****, I keep track of mileage on a spreadsheet
). If I drive on the highway with a little more gusto, I get just over 20. It's all about how you drive. The best I was ever able to squeeze out of the car was about 32 mpg driving ~50 mph on long, straight country roads.
#35
11-23-2009, 01:53 PM
That's what did it, the stop and go. All cars are the most efficient when running at constant, low RPM at constant throttle. Any sort of acceleration/deceleration kills them on the highway.
For instance, on long trips, if I'm careful to drive at a constant speed or if I use the cruise control, I average almost 30 mpg, usually in the 29 mpg range (I'm ****, I keep track of mileage on a spreadsheet). If I drive on the highway with a little more gusto, I get just over 20. It's all about how you drive. The best I was ever able to squeeze out of the car was about 32 mpg driving ~50 mph on long, straight country roads.
For instance, on long trips, if I'm careful to drive at a constant speed or if I use the cruise control, I average almost 30 mpg, usually in the 29 mpg range (I'm ****, I keep track of mileage on a spreadsheet
). If I drive on the highway with a little more gusto, I get just over 20. It's all about how you drive. The best I was ever able to squeeze out of the car was about 32 mpg driving ~50 mph on long, straight country roads.One interesting statement above is that of stop and go. I read an article by a guy in Seattle who basically stated the way to drive in this sort of traffic was to drive the average speed between the stop and go. By doing so you are not stopping and going and those behind you automatically adopt the same pattern which in turn gets rid of bottle necks. It was done as sort of a personal experiment but worked. What was interesting is that there are those that argue that if you do this others will just pass you by. True but those that stay behind see the benefits and after awhile in certain areas those numbers can grow. I have also been reading about the possible use of electronic speed limit signs that would follow the same logic, measure the average speed and that becomes the new speed limit and is adjusted up and downward as necessary.
It would be interesting to know what the posters average mph is since I have found that even a little bit of difference there over the same route can greatly affect mpg depending on the reason behind the drop (ie bottle necks, weather, lower speed limits).
#36
11-23-2009, 03:03 PM
Registered User
Depends on what is considered low rpm. There is an efficient band for all motors but it varies, sometimes greatly. Hypermilers would tell you to not use the cruise control (although maybe it is better than how many would drive on their own).
One interesting statement above is that of stop and go. I read an article by a guy in Seattle who basically stated the way to drive in this sort of traffic was to drive the average speed between the stop and go. By doing so you are not stopping and going and those behind you automatically adopt the same pattern which in turn gets rid of bottle necks. It was done as sort of a personal experiment but worked. What was interesting is that there are those that argue that if you do this others will just pass you by. True but those that stay behind see the benefits and after awhile in certain areas those numbers can grow. I have also been reading about the possible use of electronic speed limit signs that would follow the same logic, measure the average speed and that becomes the new speed limit and is adjusted up and downward as necessary.
It would be interesting to know what the posters average mph is since I have found that even a little bit of difference there over the same route can greatly affect mpg depending on the reason behind the drop (ie bottle necks, weather, lower speed limits).
One interesting statement above is that of stop and go. I read an article by a guy in Seattle who basically stated the way to drive in this sort of traffic was to drive the average speed between the stop and go. By doing so you are not stopping and going and those behind you automatically adopt the same pattern which in turn gets rid of bottle necks. It was done as sort of a personal experiment but worked. What was interesting is that there are those that argue that if you do this others will just pass you by. True but those that stay behind see the benefits and after awhile in certain areas those numbers can grow. I have also been reading about the possible use of electronic speed limit signs that would follow the same logic, measure the average speed and that becomes the new speed limit and is adjusted up and downward as necessary.
It would be interesting to know what the posters average mph is since I have found that even a little bit of difference there over the same route can greatly affect mpg depending on the reason behind the drop (ie bottle necks, weather, lower speed limits).
YES! lol, every1 says its bad muahahahhaha
#38
11-24-2009, 01:23 AM
#40
11-24-2009, 02:19 PM
Probably the best way is to determine the sweet zone for the engine and try to maintain in that area (CVT method). Aniticipate stops, drive average speed, maintain tire pressures, keep windows rolled up, etc.
#42
11-24-2009, 03:23 PM
Keeping distance is a good thing. One thing I have also read about is following distance inside of town. There has been a trend over the years to cut this distance based on speed which affects others pulling in front of you from side streets, etc. This backs up the side streets which waste gas for those idling which of course is often us. Maybe if we had hydraulic starters it would not make as much of a difference.
#43
11-24-2009, 03:44 PM
maybe but you wouldnt get that same roar on start up, i usually dont have to deal with that kind of traffic but if and when im in the DC area it cant be helped driving in places like that is a joke...
also distance on the interstate you could follow someone who is going about the same as you but get in their slip stream then your car doesnt have the wind resistance hence doesnt need to work as hard to keep the speed up
also distance on the interstate you could follow someone who is going about the same as you but get in their slip stream then your car doesnt have the wind resistance hence doesnt need to work as hard to keep the speed up
