Gas Mileage- Results- 20% improvement !

[cbelt3]

After reading the Wired magazine article on "Hypermiling" and recognizing that my driving habits were not the best, I decided to conduct an experiment. So I:
Pulled the extra junk out of the trunk of my little Honda Civic.
Made sure the tires were at recommended pressure (they were a bit low)
Started driving 'fuel efficient', doing the following:
- Starting off slow
- Coasting when possible (I drive a stick, so it' s possible)
- Turning off the car (I'm not obsessive about it- I don't turn the car off while driving or at short stop lights and stop signs).
- "Surge" an "Coast" driving- basically driving the way I ride my bicycle.

So after filling up the car with gas Friday (ouc) the results are in.

I went from an average 32.5 mpg to an average of 38.5 mpg.

You read that right- an almost 20% improvement with some basic behaviour changes.

Nope, I didn't wash it. I didn't tune it up. I didn't put in a new air filter, slick oil, etc. Just driving behaviour changes.

Wow !

[Racer X]

years ago, when I was delivering pizzas for Domino's, I was dreadfully ill for a week (found out I had mono) I drove like a little old lady that week. My fuel economy went from 12 mpg to over 15.

Its mostly driving technique. The old EPA standard test never reflected a normal person's driving habits. The newer one is better, but thats why the numbers dropped across the board.

[Filliam H. Muffman]

Good job! I found combining errands really made a difference with my previous car. It was really cold blooded due to some performance mods (CARB leagal).

[space-time]

R X, I am glad you didn't deliver my pizza back then

[Racer X]

Not to worry, unless your tip was going to be a deep soul stirring kiss.

[microchip13]

Hmm... Driving like a granny.... Yea.



Per my car, I haven't been able to squeeze worthwhile gains in fuel economy by changing my driving habits. Highway does my car good, but I do nearly no highway driving.

That, and my powerband is just so much fun!

[Rain]

I drive the black Corvette like a bat out of hell, even at 80ishmph on the interstate, and I see no less than 33mpg.
Last trip down the Natchez Trace from jackson to natchez, ms gave me 38.3 mpg doing the posted speed limit.
(no passing, no stop n go, no red lights the entire stretch of road)

Gotta LOVE a small block Chevy and a 6-speed transmission!

[mattkime]

Admit it - you washed it!!!

[blusubaru]

I'm 85% highway, just switched back to summer rims/tires (alloy) and an aftermarket intake. I didn't notice quite as much of a gain as you. Going to experiment with removing the crossbeams of the luggage rack on the next full tank of gas and measure the difference.

[Racer X]

[quote Rain]I drive the black Corvette like a bat out of hell, even at 80ishmph on the interstate, and I see no less than 33mpg.
Last trip down the Natchez Trace from jackson to natchez, ms gave me 38.3 mpg doing the posted speed limit.
(no passing, no stop n go, no red lights the entire stretch of road)

Gotta LOVE a small block Chevy and a 6-speed transmission!

the problem with most vehicles is that they can't or won't make a transmission that will both allow spirited driving AND economical driving. (think the THM 700r4s in the vettes vs the THM 700r4 in a Chevy truck. So 4th gear overdrive cruising in the truck. Same transmission)