Easing off the gas eases gas use

[RedEarth]

We all flinch at each uptick of gas prices, right? Well, factor in this rule of thumb: each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional 20 cents per gallon for gas.

EPA data: Gas Mileage vs. Speed


....see the chart here....

http://www.greenslowmovingvehicle.com/


Your car's energy efficient "sweet spot" occurs between 50-60 mph.

When you slow down here are just some of the things that will happen:

You save money.

Lessen pollution.

Reduce dependence on foreign oil.


Impact global warming.

Delay Peak Oil.


Extend the life of your automobile.

Enjoy a safer drive and arrive relaxed.


http://www.greenslowmovingvehicle.com/

[calico1]

1. I tried this and it's true.

My commute is 30-35 minutes. I start with a full tank on Monday and by Thursday I was filling up again with 1/4 tank left. I was averaging around 70 mph. I slowed down to 65 mph and had just under 1/4 tank left on Thursday. This week I am averaging 60 mph to see if I can make it until Friday with 1/4 tank left. It's hard because at that speed everyone is just blowing by you. Hard to believe that people in big SUV's are still driving so fast.

[calico1]

2. Update:

So I averaged 60 mph, was careful not to do a fast acceleration or stop.

Today is Friday and after I got out of work I ran to two stores on the way to pick up a few things. My car has 1/4 tank of gas left. This is how it would normally be on Thursday. So I figure if I keep doing this I can save 1/4 tank of gas a week. Over a few months or a year that should amount to quite a bit. Once you get used to driving slower it really is not that big a deal.

[Digit]

3. Can I make a request?

It is the drivers at the stoplights who are giving me indigestion.
I have seen them poke along so slow when the light turns green that I (and others behind me) get stopped at the light and I am the THIRD car in line. I am talking of people leaving 5 car lengths between the cars at startup.

I try to be considerate that the others behind me need to get to their destination and don't need to sit idle and use more gas.

[Warpy]

4. Don't forget the dozy bastards when the left turn arrow comes on

They sleep especially soundly at "no turn without green arrow" intersections.

I've taken to clinging to the far right lane in what little interstate driving I now do. My car is an economy car, but that doesn't mean I want to waste the kind of gas it takes to keep up with the 90 MPH speeders in the left lane.

[Sherman A1]

5. Thanks for the link

I have been trying to do this on my commute to work each day, along with coasting and timing the lights whenever possible and it does help (and at this point, anything and everything helps).