Save a LOT of gas without buying another car: No bull here

[karlrschneider]

Drive as if you have no brakes. That is, -imagine- your car doesn't have them. Obviously I'm not suggesting you crash into things but just plan ahead. Pay attention to the traffic not just the car immediately in front of you, but further ahead. See what's happening 10 cars away instead of the one you're behind. Notice what upcoming traffic lights are doing.

Every time you step on the brake you're converting usable kinetic energy into heat which can never be recovered.

It does take a little practice and it will probably slow you down slightly but you will be amazed what a difference it can make when you buy that $3.50/gallon gas. :-)

[Canuckistanian]

1. I've heard about that

Some guy said he'd saved a ton of gas by simply slowing down, taking his foot off the gas whenever he saw a red traffic light up ahead.

And if you think about it, he's right. Every time you stamp your foot down, you're consuming many, many times the amount of gas you'd need to just maintain a steady slow speed.

[Viva_La_Revolution]

2. my technique...

Drive like a Grandma.


(that's it)


oh, except, check your tires and get your tune-ups. :)

[karlrschneider]

5. Good point. Actually it's sensible to overinflate tires a little bit.

It won't hurt the tires, just makes the ride a bit more 'sporty' but definitely saves gas.

[WiseButAngrySara]

11. If it doesn't hurt the tirehorten their lifespan, why have artificially

lower inflation standards for tires?

[karlrschneider]

12. To help make the ride smoother.

...

[TlalocW]

3. I take it to the next level

On the sidewalk, there are no stoplights.

TlalocW

[karlrschneider]

4. Very true, but sidewalks are Dodo birds these days in most places.

Where we are is ... well, where we are. Many if not most of us couldn't survive without a motor vehicle nowadays. Some day the oil will be gone, nobody seriously disputes that...I'm just mentioning a small way to help in conserving what's left.

[bullwinkle428]

6. Here is a GREAT site I found just a couple of days ago -

http://www.cleanmpg.com/

-lots of stuff on hybrids, as you might expect, but plenty of great information on "hypermiling", which refers to all of the driving techniques one might employ to maximize fuel economy. Recommended reading to anyone who owns a vehicle!

[karlrschneider]

7. One of our local TV stations did a story on that. One guy got over 100 mpg

using all the tricks...some of which aren't really practical but it sure did demonstrate the possibilities.

[bullwinkle428]

20. There are some HARDCORE "hypermilers" at that site! I know

it's not practical to adopt all of those techniques all or even most of the time, but many of the ideas can certainly be implemented to a degree no matter what you happen to drive, and you'll see improvements.

The Honda Insight drivers that have achieved 100+ mpg over a long test loop impress me...I don't think I have that level of discipline!

[prolesunited]

8. Use cruise control if you have it

We've been doing it on some of our longer trips when there's not gridlock. I've been getting about 32 mpg on my Saturn that way. I commute 20 miles each way. There's too much traffic getting here, but when I leave after midnight, I've been cruising.

Here's some tips and myths debunked:
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/08/09/earlyshow/living/ConsumerWatch/main766084_page2.shtml

http://kdka.com/local/local_story_131163838.html

http://www.edmunds.com/advice/fueleconomy/articles/106842/article.html

[Digit]

9. Yeah, and guess what happens to the traffic behind you?

Because of your pokiness, I am now stuck at the light an additional time than I normally would be, consuming more gas than I normally would have.

Also, since you have decided to coast up to the light, I have missed getting in the left hand turn lane, and have to await another cycle before I can go.

And if you are towards the back of the line at a regular light, you also have to wait an additional cycle.

I was raised driving in the DC area. Traffic was so horrendous, so you were considerate of other drivers behind you in the left turn lane, etc. Keep the traffic moving, and be considerate of the other drivers. One time you may be at the front of the line, the next day, you may be at the end.

[Name removed]

13. Deleted sub-thread

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[uppityperson]

16. If everybody starts accelerating/decel more slowly, won't be a problem.

Yeah, it'll take a few seconds more, but no, you won't be consuming more gas. Overall you will be saving gas. Drive like you have a raw egg on the pedals and you don't want to break it.

[ComerPerro]

18. you will probably notice that people who post suggestions like this don't give a fuck about others

it reminds me of people who say, "Don't kill mice. Just trap them, and release them outside" -"but what about the mouse? doesn't it just go to a neighbor's house?" -"yeah, probably, but who gives a shit"

[pansypoo53219]

10. i started doing that

but my family hates the slow creep to the lights.

[karlrschneider]

14. Easily fixed: have your family pay for the gas.

...

[athena]

15. They like to be jerked around?

In my experience, most people in the passenger seat like smooth driving. As a smooth and efficient driver, what I hate is being in the car of a person who doesn't take his foot off the gas when he sees a red light. Accelerating towards a red light not only indicates stupidity, but the abrupt deceleration is extremely unpleasant.

[athena]

17. It also helps to keep your tires inflated.

According to this article, you can save 3% by maintaining proper pressure in your tires.

I agree completely about smooth driving. I can't stand people who accelerate toward a red light and then slam on the brakes. It's annoying both for the passengers and for the pedestrians crossing the street who can't tell whether the driver is aware of the red light ahead of him.

[sinkingfeeling]

19. We used to do 'Economy Runs' in my Corvette club. The objective was to see how many miles per

gallon we could get with our Vettes. We would coast down hills and even turn the engine off. I came in second once with my '76, but can't recall what my actual MPG rate was.

[BluePatriot]

21. Also,

make sure your injectors are clean and make sure your tire pressure is in rec. range. I get an extra 30-40 mi on a tank now from that combo. Cheap gas was (and is) progressively clogging my injectors though so maybe it's a wash when it comes to costs...sigh, guess you get what you pay for when you buy grocery store gas, LOL.