Big boost in gas mileage by habit change

[vegetation]

Originally posted by: goodoptics
It's illegal in most states to roll down a hill in neutral with the engine on.

You actually waste more gas by putting it in neutral rather than letting it engine break downhill. All modern fuel systems shut off the gas above a certain RPM during vacuum state (2500 usually).

 

[Jejunum]

remember costing in neutral could be dangerous; u lose all engine braking; if ur brakes should fail or the power assist aspect of ur brakes ur in trouble!

 

[BooneRebel]

You actually waste more gas by putting it in neutral rather than letting it engine break downhill. All modern fuel systems shut off the gas above a certain RPM during vacuum state (2500 usually).

Unless you're still stepping on the gas, once you've put the car in neutral the engine is not going to be turning 2500RPM. It will return to idle speed and stay there until you shift back into gear. And in my truck I don't hit 2500 anyway unless I'm WOT.

 

[Bluefront]

The real point here is yes, you can improve your gas mileage by driving differently. And it's not so hard. After a while, you don't even think about it, it's like your new driving habits are the norm. If you make detailed records about miles driven, gallons used, weather conditions, etc.....you'll see that conservative driving can save money. Maybe pay for a new computer every few years. Heh.

You get your kicks driving fast? Get used to paying tickets, lawyers, body shops, mechanics, etc. Get the point?

 

[iamwiz82]

in the last year or so i have become a conservative driver. It's not worth the chance for an accident or ticket due to speeding. I get about 23mpg in the cherokee and 30mpg in the neon, not bad considering i should be getting about 17 and 27 respectively. BTW, that saves a TON of cash, because we drive upwards of 40,000 miles a year.

assuming $1.60/gal

at 30mpg = 5.3cents/mile
at 23mpg = 6.9cents/mile

its roughly 23,000 miles per year on the cherokee and 17,000 on the neon.

6.9 cents * 23,000 = $1587 per year on gas
5.3 cents * 17,000 = $901 per year on gas
Total = $2488


at 17mpg = 9.4 cents/mile
at 27mpg = 5.9 cents/mile

9.4 cents * 23,000 = $2162 per year on gas
5.9 cents * 17,000 = $1003 per year on gas
Total = $3165

difference = $677 per year. Not to mention the less wear I put on them by driving abit slower. BTW, with was going from about 75-80mph to 65mph.

 

[Linflas]

Originally posted by: Evadman

Originally posted by: goodoptics
It's illegal in most states to roll down a hill in neutral with the engine on.

I will make sure to turn my engine off next time

Back when I was in college I used to drive from Harrisonburg, VA to Northern Virginia a lot on weekends. The route I normally took was not interstate and included crossing over the Blue Ridge Mountains. It was a 4 mile climb up and 4 mile descent and for the descent I used to shut my engine off and just coast down through the switch backs for 4 miles. At the bottom where the road straightened out I would just let out the clutch and restart the engine in 4th gear. Of course all this was easy in a 74 VW Beetle since nothing was powered by the engine other than the wheels and electrical system.

 

[Moonbeam]

Probably my posts are starting to sink in. It's all about being where you are instead of rushing to where you will not be anywhy because you'll just be rushing there too. If you're still having trouble, though, being there, and need something to DO instead of BE, then look for opportunities to let people go in front of you, cross the street, or just wave at kids or bark at dogs and stuff. It blows people's minds the good way.

 

[jhu]

people blow my mind. especially girls

 

[rh71]

Originally posted by: silverpig
If anything I slow down extra early when coming up to a red light. Here's why:

Guy A: Speeds up to a red light, has to come to a complete stop and wait.
Guy B: Slows down early, and the light turns green just before he gets there. He is going 20 km/h when the light hits green, so he goes right by Guy A who has to start from a standstill.

Granted, it doesn't happen all the time, but it really helps.

At the same time as the light turns green for these 2 guys, guy B gets sideswiped by the guy who just ran the just-turned-red light on his side. This is why I don't approach red lights at speeds anticipating a green light anymore. I've seen it happen many times. ESPECIALLY on Friday/Saturday nights.

Look at it this way, how many times have you run a red light about .5 to 1 second after it turned red? Well another guy on either your left or right side (who's light turned green) is going right through his anticipated green light (he's looking at the light, not the road) and you guys would be exchanging insurance info very soon.