Hyper-Miling: Simply changing acceleration rates for free mpg, and it can pay off big for Hybrids, I guess...
New to me, at least the word for it.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...080301403.html

http://www.cleanmpg.com/

http://www.edmunds.com/advice/fuelec...0/article.html

 

My school paper did an article on "hyper-miling" and it talked about how these idiots are killing themselves by turning off their engine and losing brake function/etc.

 

I think I'll stick to driving the way I normally do.

 

I always try to coast as much as possible, but you have to pick and choose when its appropriate. I hate slowing down traffic in any way because I hate when i get stuck behind someone going slow. My first vehicle (a '83 chevy pickup) used to shut the eninge off automatically at stop lights. I guess it was just way ahead of its time. I mastered shifting into neutral as I came to a stop.

 

I coast to stops qutie a bit when there is no one behind me to slow down. Evne whent here is someone behind me if a light is red I let off the throttle way earlier than most people. I also have been timing when i leave for work so i avoid traffic and have the highest average speed and fewest waits at stop lights.

Probably why I got 26.3mpg on my last tank of gas (40% city 60% highway) in my C5.

 

Indieaz...I hate you.

Ive been coasting as well...picked up 1-2mpg to a Prius destroying 18mpg. Stupid 4200lb cop car...

 

Coasting does help as much as turning the engine off. (I actually experimented with my Tahoe on coasting vs. driving normally and my fuel mileage remained a constant 15mpg average.) I read something yesterday that if you're going to be stopped for more than 10 seconds, you can save fuel by turning off the engine.

 

I always let the engine slow me down as much as possible (leaving the car in gear while coming to a stop, and downshifting) since this shuts off the injectors in my car, basically using 0 gas until I come to a stop and the injectors kick back on to maintain idle. It's also a good habit to have for when it comes time to hit the curvy track!

 

Save fuel, yes. Save your starter and wear on other items, no. That is why I'd never be one to shut my car off at every light. The fuel savings are probably miniscule, and is it worth it compared to the wear and tear of starting/stopping the engine at every light?

 

Heard about it, then read about what the idiots do to achieve it.
Tail gate semi's and big SUV's, take 15mph corners at 45mph to keep momentum, coast on the interstate for long distances at dangerously slow speeds, turn off their cars and loose power brakes and steering.

And street racing gets the bad name

 

Yeah, I'm really waiting for this trend to take off and see how the highway death numbers start to look. All in the name of saving a few bucks at the pump...

 

I always thought that as well, but the study showed that it also saves on the engine as well since it isn't running. They basically suggested the idea of constant starting and stopping being harmful to the components was nothing more than a myth and no longer valid with today's vehicles.

 

Maybe on the BAS hybrid cars...that are designed to do it.
Just thinking about shutting off the engine all the time like that scares me a little...

 

I wouldn't take it so far as to shut off my engine in traffic, but definitely when stuck @ RR crossings, or in drive thrus and such.

Anyways, I tried the coasting as far as I could part, and then slowly accelerating(no quick starts), on a 46 mile trip today.

I averaged 32.1 mpg in my '01 Chevy Venture(3400) with family inside.
I did get some people honking and zooming around, even in no passing zones, as I wasn't getting to the speed limit as quickly as they liked.

I tried to keep the rpms as low as possible while being safe...like some gray haired drivers I usually zoom around.
And time lights and carry as much speed into turns as safe.

I added over 3mpg on my first attempt...I might try again tomorrow with just me, and remove all unneccesary cargo. I'd love to hit 35mpg!
(Cargo, as in, unused, removeable seats, for minivans..and my 60lb Craftsman tool box..)

 

I find that coasting to stops etc. saves me gas...and doesn't add any time to my trip at all. When someone does pass me they simply get tot he list about 15 seconds faster then sit idling and wear out their brakes faster :-/