Fuel Economy

[Racer X-8]

Originally Posted by Nigal

... The strangest thing is that I still arrive at my destination at almost the exact same time as when I speed. ...

Not so strange, for 2 reasons:

1. If you pass thru a series of traffic lights, they could be programmed and will stop you if you're over the speed limit. I could bore you with a long story about me versus a Greyhound bus that was in a hurry late one night,,, just believe it.
2. 10 miles @ 55mph = 10 minutes, 55 seconds. 10 miles @ 80mph = 7 minutes, 30 seconds. The 10 mile difference = 3 minutes, 25 seconds. Using "you" generically---> Now you have to ask yourself "Is 3-1/2 minutes worth it?" The answer to that should almost always be "NO". Heck, a visit to the restroom would use-up all of that. If you're late to get to work, would 3-1/2 minutes really matter that much? How about you leave home on-time and not try to make it up by driving dangerously. <--- Using "you" generically.

[ojo]

I've had my Yaris for a little over a month, and I have to say that I am very happy with my mileage so far. I got 34.5 mpg on the first tank and have gotten 35-37 since then. I drive 35 miles one way to work and drive about 70-75 mph. I definitely notice a difference in mileage when I floor it at a green light, but when I accelerate more smoothly and gradually, I can keep good mileage while still driving semi-aggressively.

[Nigal]

Originally Posted by Racer X-8

Not so strange, for 2 reasons:

1. If you pass thru a series of traffic lights, they could be programmed and will stop you if you're over the speed limit. I could bore you with a long story about me versus a Greyhound bus that was in a hurry late one night,,, just believe it.
2. 10 miles @ 55mph = 10 minutes, 55 seconds. 10 miles @ 80mph = 7 minutes, 30 seconds. The 10 mile difference = 3 minutes, 25 seconds. Using "you" generically---> Now you have to ask yourself "Is 3-1/2 minutes worth it?" The answer to that should almost always be "NO". Heck, a visit to the restroom would use-up all of that. If you're late to get to work, would 3-1/2 minutes really matter that much? How about you leave home on-time and not try to make it up by driving dangerously. <--- Using "you" generically.

[whine] Math is hard and stuff... LOL!

I've been trying to leave home about 5-10 minutes early to make the difference. One of the best things about driving slower is that I don't end up stuck behind the damn soccer moms in minivans going 65 in the fast lane.

[swng]

Originally Posted by Nigal

[whine] Math is hard and stuff... LOL!

I've been trying to leave home about 5-10 minutes early to make the difference. One of the best things about driving slower is that I don't end up stuck behind the damn soccer moms in minivans going 65 in the fast lane.

Very sensible friend!
BTW, I would take the opportunity and sidetrack a bit to mention that one of the safe ways to save fuel is not to follow the car in front too closely (aka tailgating). Whilst taking advantage of the draft created by the car in front is good when everything is on the move, tailgating, especially in city driving conditions, will usually result in a need to brake repeatedly and abruptly, and will prevent the use of good anticipatory driving techniques. Such are hardly good for fuel economy.

[leowhy]

Originally Posted by swng

Very sensible friend!
BTW, I would take the opportunity and sidetrack a bit to mention that one of the safe ways to save fuel is not to follow the car in front too closely (aka tailgating). Whilst taking advantage of the draft created by the car in front is good when everything is on the move, tailgating, especially in city driving conditions, will usually result in a need to brake repeatedly and abruptly, and will prevent the use of good anticipatory driving techniques. Such are hardly good for fuel economy.

unfortunately that is not possible in where i live... the traffic here is bumper to bumper situation...

[swng]

Originally Posted by leowhy

unfortunately that is not possible in where i live... the traffic here is bumper to bumper situation...

IMHO, when the traffic is very slow, it is OK to follow the car in front closer. So in your situation, it may not necessarily mean that you have been tailgating. There is always a need to give yourself at least two seconds to react to whatever that may happen suddenly though (such as the car in front braking abruptly). Incidentally, doing this may also boost your FE slightly.
Safe and happy motoring!

[leowhy]

Originally Posted by swng

IMHO, when the traffic is very slow, it is OK to follow the car in front closer. So in your situation, it may not necessarily mean that you have been tailgating. There is always a need to give yourself at least two seconds to react to whatever that may happen suddenly though (such as the car in front braking abruptly). Incidentally, doing this may also boost your FE slightly.
Safe and happy motoring!

that is what i've been doing... :)

the frustrating part is, many other road user just utilise the "gap" i leave for me & CUT IN!!!

in the end... its E_brake + accelerate time again...