Efficient driving for a 1,000 mile tank

One of the first parts was to compare the odometer and true distance using both highway mile markers and GPS. So when I had to replace my tires, I resized them so the revs/mile matched mile marker and GPS within less than 1% error. Actually, slightly conservative as the indicated MPG is lower than true.

Yes, provided you define these terms:

• full tank to full tank - I let the tank run dry so the engine stopped. I did under-fill the tank by inverting the fuel handle.
  
• all the idles - during the driving stunt, the idles were only when unavoidably stopped. My shift in schedules and route selection made this less than 1% of the minimum hour duration for each trip. See route descriptions above.
• cold starts - every day was a cold start
• evaporation - the fuel cap remained on the tank the whole time
• fuel dilution - nothing I put in
• etc. - not a precise engineering term
• averaging over multiple full tanks - one tank is enough but if someone is willing to pay my labor rates, I would be happy to replicate this stunt as many times as wanted. It takes ~40 hours per test, 1000/25 ~= 40 hours, @$50/hr, my current pay rate. I've already done one but subsequent ones will need a 'Gertes' payment. But of course, this is negotiable.

Bob Wilson

 

Not mine!

Bob Wilson

 

Not patience, curiosity and it is the 'monkey on my back.' Strange as it may seem, I ask myself a question and sometimes can not put it down until I know. The funny thing is I'm OK if others choose to remain ignorant or deluded.

My rule of thumb:

1. Answer first for accidental ignorance
2. Answer twice with sources, facts and data
   
3. Third time, let 'reality' run its course

I will try to help folks see reality but I don't quarrel. If someone chooses an alternate reality, after two attempts (i.e., turn the other cheek,) I can find something more interesting to investigate. They have already condemned themselves to the judgement of reality and it is . . . their choice.

There is a reason why some users are on my 'ignore user' list. They have had their two chances (often many times more but perhaps short of 'seven time seven') but there comes a time when 'God must see the sparrow', which is above my pay-grade.

Bob Wilson

 

• 1-1.5 miles - drive as slows as traffic allows (cut through 25 mph neighborhood take early routes that avoids stops, and; when possible, shift to "N".
• 8.5-9 miles - follow slowest traffic using cruise control for a constant speed
  • do not accelerate going up-grade
  • accelerate going down-grade
• 38 mph is optimum speed - fully engages hybrid mode (follow slow traffic)

These three rules will achieve 90-95% of the optimum MPG. However, there is a longer list of subtle rules that have an impact at the margins:

• shift into "N" when engine is off and no following traffic.
• early braking in "D" approaching a red stop light and no following traffic so it can change green before you get there
• use 4 lane roads and change lanes so following traffic can pass and not tailgate

I'm an efficient driver which means: NO pulse and glide except on limited access road with no traffic for testing. I drive on cruse control, all the time, and fortunately, I live on fairly flat terrain. Even in hilly and mountainous terrain, I used cruise control by using semi-trailer trucks as pacing vehicles . . . a lot of space so I can drive around road debris.

Bob Wilson

 

I thought 26-27 was the optimum speed! Why 38? - The hybrid transition speed is 42-46 mph depending upon vehicle warm-up and other factors. So I recommend using 38 mph make sure you're not transitioning through 42-46 mph and forcing unnecessary engine running.

1-1.5 miles how slow is your slow? - Through the neighborhood posted at 25 mph.

1.5-9 miles at what speed? This is most of my driving -- I live in the city. - These are posted 45, 50, and 65 mph:

I recommend using Google or MapQuest to investigate alternate routes to your work. Try them until you find one that works best.

"N" instead of glide? - Simple, easy, and works 100% without having to worry about anything else. But I grew up on manual transmission cars and have no problem with using the shifter to change gears. It is a skill that comes easy for me.

Bob Wilson