You, Too, Can Save 20% On Gas Costs!

[CoyoteRed]

Did that sound like spam? Probably did, but the header is true.

 

Yesterday, after filling up with $2.43 mid-grade, I figure I'd share something with you folks who, like us, have more time than money.

 

A bit of background. I was selected to receive a ticket from Officer Friendly for going 15 over in a work zone. Yeah, well, I was coming out of the work zone, but had not yet passed the regular speed limit sign, so technically I was speeding in a (no)work zone. I call it the (no)work zone, because you never see anything happening. Anyway, the short of it is it cost me $300 and 4 points. OUCH!

 

Shortly before then, Sissy's company implemented a program where the top fuel savers got a bonus. She dropped her speed from 67 (top governed speed) to 55. (She's a truck driver for those who don't know. Yep, 18 wheels and everything.) She went from a quarterly average of 5.64 MPG to a most recent average of 7.15 MPG. A 26% increase in mileage. She also went from ~18 MPG in the van to 24, a 33% increase!

 

After the sting of the ticket I thought I might try the same myself. In my pickup, I went from 20 MPG to 25 MPG. Right at a 25% increase.

 

One thing I've found is the commute is actually much more pleasant. Instead of constantly jockeying for position, trying to get around slower drivers, and other simply cutting me off, I just cruise along in the right most lane and don't have to deal with all of that non-sense. It even seems as though those merging onto the interstate have an easier time as well.

 

Sissy told me she never thought I could keep it up because of me being such an aggressive driver I used to be, but I'm finding slowing down has multiple benefits; not likely to get a ticket, save fuel costs, saves wear and tear on the vehicle, and has become almost relaxing. (In fact, that's something you have to watch out for as it can become too relaxing!) Sure, it takes more time, but for me it's worth it.

 

So, if you're feeling it at the gas pump and have more time than money, give it a try.

[+dkwolf]

A K&N air filter will give MPG an extra kick too.

 

While I'm at it...this really belongs in OT as it doesn't really pertain to caching.

[+QDman]

I knew that slowing down would save gas, but I never realized how much! Thanks for the info.

 

It reminds me of that old joke:

 

“I brought a new carburetor that saved thirty percent on gas, a new transmission that saved fifty percent on gas, and a new set of spark plugs that saved forty percent of gas. After I drove about twenty miles, the gas tank overflowed.”

 

(edit for spelling)

Edited August 13, 2005 by QDman

[+briansnat]

and has become almost relaxing.

 

Around here if you do 55 its not relaxing to have someone come up on your rear at 70 MPH then tailgate you while flashing their high beams until you have a opportunity to pull over and let them pass.

 

Also, if the cops catch you doing 55 they're liable to pull you over on suspicion of DWI. It happened to me!

 

It does save gas though, which is why the 55 speed limit was implemented in many states during the 70's oil crunch.

Edited August 13, 2005 by briansnat

[+sept1c_tank]

I typically average 12-15 MPH on my bicycle and about 3 1/2 MPH walking. Is the price of gas going up?

[+ADKcachers]

I wonder if that will work on my incredibly non-aerodynamic Jeep Wrangler.

[+Langner91]

Outstanding advice!

 

Even though you aren't a premium member, ( ) I appreciate the tips!

[+TotemLake]

and has become almost relaxing.

 

Around here if you do 55 its not relaxing to have someone come up on your rear at 70 MPH then tailgate you while flashing their high beams until you have a opportunity to pull over and let them pass.

 

Also, if the cops catch you doing 55 they're liable to pull you over on suspicion of DWI. It happened to me!

 

It does save gas though, which is why the 55 speed limit was implemented in many states during the 70's oil crunch.

I used to own a 1977 Buick Centurion with a 455ci 4-barrel Rochester carb in it. This thing was monstrously big, I declared I needed lines men on the sidewalk to help pull me into my parking space.

 

At 55MPH I was lucky to get 15MPG with a good tail wind. typical highway MPG ranged from 11-13, 14-15 with a new tuneup. At 75MPH or higher, I actually saw 21MPG which was absolutely unheard of back in the late 70's in a car that big.

 

Today, I own a '94 Jeep GC Laredo. At 55-60, I'll get 15-17MPG on the highway. When I reach speeds of 75MPH, I'll actually see an increase to about 19-20MPG.

 

Not all slowdowns save costs. Some motors just weren't designed for the slower speeds.

[CoyoteRed]

I wonder if that will work on my incredibly non-aerodynamic Jeep Wrangler.

I would have figured dropping your speed would affect non-aerodynamic vehicles more, but Sissy's van is a Previa which is shaped like a bullet. Though, I guess you could figure in that she has nearly quarter million miles on it might be the reason.

 

Also, consider the big truck she drives is a '91 White GMC daycab with over 700K and that's not very aerodynamic!

 

She just hollered at me to say she makes sure all of her tires are inflated properly on the big truck. I've not paid that much attention to it in my pickup, but maybe I should. I might be able to squeeze another mile or two out if it.

 

As an aside, we were taking a road trip a couple of weeks ago and I was doing my 55 when we got passed by a Prius and made the comment, "they're hauling butt and still getting twice the gas mileage."

[CoyoteRed]

Not all slowdowns save costs. Some motors just weren't designed for the slower speeds.

There are definate anomolies.

 

I used to own a '89 Mustang GT which comes with a 5-point-oh. I fell on hardtimes and took up delivering pizzas to make ends meet. (Which I'm fortunate for as that is where I meet Sissy!) With my lead foot in that 5 liter delivering pizzas I got 20 MPG. On the interstate cruising 85 on trips back and forth between here and Daytona, I saw 28 MPG.

 

This freaked some folks out who had smaller, more "effecient" cars. It actually made a guy who drove a 4 banger Pinto mad.

 

I guess these scenerios proves YMMV! Literally!

 

Point is, give it a try and see what works for you. It's worked for Sissy in her big truck and van. It's worked for me in my pickup.

[+Team Perks]

What's this? 55, you say? I'm lucky to hit 20 mph on my commute.

 

I discovered that I get better mileage in my commuting car at 90 mph than I do at 60 mph. "Honest, officer! I wasn't speeding--I was conserving!"

[+sept1c_tank]

Back in the old days, when I used to operate a motor vehicle, I found that the max speed was secondary to acceleration habits. Making slow, smooth starts and stops (tire inflation is critical, too) always seemed to get me further...<insert old people joke here>.

[+deimos444]

My work commute is on an 02 1100cc Honda Shadow Spirit.

Great gas mileage but the idiots encountered per linear foot is rather high.

[+El Diablo]

Outstanding advice!

 

Even though you aren't a premium member, ( ) I appreciate the tips!

I fail to see what that has to do with anything. Just because he is not a premium member for whatever reason, dosen't mean his opinions don't count or have a lower value than a premium member.

 

Back OT. The advice given is good. Not only will you save fuel, but you are also less likely to be involved in an accident.

 

El Diablo

[+Langner91]

Outstanding advice!

 

Even though you aren't a premium member, (    ) I appreciate the tips!

I fail to see what that has to do with anything. Just because he is not a premium member for whatever reason, dosen't mean his opinions don't count or have a lower value than a premium member.

 

Back OT. The advice given is good. Not only will you save fuel, but you are also less likely to be involved in an accident.

 

El Diablo

That was a little 'joke'. Please note the winking smilie.

 

I have seen other threads where CR was poked at for not being a PM, even though he really is (under the other ID).

 

I was attempting a little fun.

 

Sorry. Won't happen again.

[+budd-rdc]

Thanks CR, for an excellent advice!

 

There's a very good book written by Robert Sikorsky called "How to Get More Miles Per Gallon" ISBN 0-8306-3793-1 for paperback, 0-8306-8793-9 for hard cover edition. It's an old book but the concepts still apply.

 

I can consistently beat the Cruise Control on gas mileage using the following steps:

 

1. Accelerate easy

2. Brake easy

3. Drive smooth

 

This will improve your mileage both City and Highway.

 

For areas where the freeway speed is a bit high on average, driving the flow of traffic in the slow lane will be a good compromise.

 

Most people don't understand the concept of easy braking as a fuel saving tip. This is due to driving style. If you have a habit of braking late to a stop, then it's likely you are an impatient driver, so you'll be spending more time stepping on the accelerator.

 

Another fuel wasting offense I see is needless braking on the highway. If you coast instead of brake, it's more likely you won't be slowing down excessively. People who brake needlessly have a habit of accelerating back to the speed they were going before - again, a driving style issue.

[+lefty2448]

Great tips. I was listening to the radio the other morning and the said a clean and freshly waxed car saves 8% mpg due to less drag. I havent looked it up but come to think of it my car always seemed faster after a carwash.

[+El Diablo]

Outstanding advice!

 

Even though you aren't a premium member, (    ) I appreciate the tips!

I fail to see what that has to do with anything. Just because he is not a premium member for whatever reason, dosen't mean his opinions don't count or have a lower value than a premium member.

 

Back OT. The advice given is good. Not only will you save fuel, but you are also less likely to be involved in an accident.

 

El Diablo

That was a little 'joke'. Please note the winking smilie.

 

I have seen other threads where CR was poked at for not being a PM, even though he really is (under the other ID).

 

I was attempting a little fun.

 

Sorry. Won't happen again.

Sorry if I misunderstood. Won't happen again.

 

El Diablo

[+ChileHead]

Yeah, yeah, that's all well and good. But what if you're racing over to get a FTF!

[CoyoteRed]

Yeah, yeah, that's all well and good. But what if you're racing over to get a FTF!

Yeah, I forgot to tie this into geocaching, but when you're having to drive for an hour to get to your closest cache, it helps to save a bit of money for swag, deet, and snacks.

 

But, if you're after that FTF, then all bets are off!

[+JanniCash]

slowing down has multiple benefits; not likely to get a ticket, save fuel costs, saves wear and tear on the vehicle, and has become almost relaxing.  (In fact, that's something you have to watch out for as it can become too relaxing!)  Sure, it takes more time, but for me it's worth it.

How much more time does it take? Many years back, when I was a consultant in good old Germany, I had a project for over a year down in Cologne. Every weekend I drove Cologne-Hamburg-Cologne. That's about 400 Km or 250 miles one way. And it's not 65 MHP interstate, it is Autobahn with enough "unlimited" sections to make it "fun".

 

However, unless you drive at night time and risk to collide with a deer, the traffic will not allow you to keep the speed. I tried several times with a BMW 320i to stay as fast as possible, jumping lanes, passing right ... all the nerve wrecking stuff. And that car had no trouble reaching 220 Km/h (that's 137 MPH). Then I used my VW Passat Diesel for a change and just cruised at 120 Km/h (75 MPH). It makes a difference of about 15 to 20 minutes. On a Friday night one needs more than 4 hours for that tour anyway, so we are talking about a time difference of less than 10%. Needless to say, I kept cruising the Diesel and developed the attitude that no traffic jam can spoil my mood.

 

Based on that experience, I bet you don't lose more than 10% of time with your drop to 55 MPH. 10% time for 25% fuel ... good deal!

 

Jan

[+TeamAO]

On bike trails around my place you can bike 20 miles and get 10 caches.

 

It's good excercize, which all Americans need, and it's free.

[xrabohrok]

I saw on the news once that UPS drivers have a few guidlines to save gas:

 

1. Turn off the car if you will leave the car for more than a minute.

 

2. Avoid left turns. Often, you have to wait for traffic before your turn.

 

3. (going w/ #2) Plan your path in a type of loop, avoid backtracking. Make the loop as tight as possible.

 

Thats all I remember. I don't drive all too much, so I haven't got to implement these techniques. I hope they work....

[+TotemLake]

I saw on the news once that UPS drivers have a few guidlines to save gas:

 

1. Turn off the car if you will leave the car for more than a minute. 

 

I lose 8 miles starting up my Jeep. That equates to about 7 minutes idle time for my 5.2 V8. The only reason I'll shut it down for less than that is security reasons.

Edited August 14, 2005 by TotemLake

[nobby.nobbs]

driving slower doesn't necessarily cut down on accidents. especially if you relax too much.

 

"spped does not kill. it's the sudden stops that kill"

[+Renegade Knight]

Jimmy Carters Energy Polciy included the 55mph speed limit for a reason. The feds said is was bout safety. It was about using less oil.

 

Kicking in a 55mph speed limit right now would likely see oil price fall because we would save a lot of gas.

 

I used to hate the 55mph speed limit. Now I'm a fan.

[+Renegade Knight]

driving slower doesn't necessarily cut down on accidents. especially if you relax too much.

 

"spped does not kill. it's the sudden stops that kill"

I read a study once about that. They figured out the lives saved by going 55 vs faster resulted in an aveage life span longer by exactly the amoutn of extra time you spent behind the wheel because of going slower.

 

In other words you may live longer driving 55 but you will live it behind the wheel.

[+CYBret]

Personally I want to try one of THESE.

 

 

Whether they work or not, you gotta admit, they look freakin' sweet!

 

Bret

[+sept1c_tank]

...In other words you may live longer driving 55 but you will live it behind the wheel.

I can't drive 55.

[+budd-rdc]

Jimmy Carters Energy Polciy included the 55mph speed limit for a reason.  The feds said is was bout safety.  It was about using less oil.

 

Kicking in a 55mph speed limit right now would likely see oil price fall because we would save a lot of gas.

 

I used to hate the 55mph speed limit.  Now I'm a fan.

Well, it worked. "Safety" tends to get people's attention better than "energy conservation."

 

I'm sure a speed limit policy now might increase the supply of petroleum, but I have strong doubts it will affect the price, especially due to the speculative nature of the commodities market these days.

 

In any case, I've stopped doing deliberate FTFs for the time being. I'm consciously trying to maximize my fun per trip now.

 

P.S. I'm shocked that no one has mentioned the easiest way to save fuel, so I'll say it even though it's obvious for some - check for proper tire pressure.

[+dunos]

Pift. If you think you have it bad with fuel prices over there you should try driving here for a bit.

 

Current fuel prices for petrol (unleaded gas) in my home town are 91 english pence per litre. That works out as 344.47p per US liquid gallon. £3.4447 GBP is $6.25 USD.

 

$6.25 USD per gallon.

 

I do get about 35mpg in my Rover.

Edited August 14, 2005 by dunos

[+NomadVW]

Here's another harmless plug to say that my bike gets great gas mileage. Once a week I put small amounts of lubricant on the chain, and can normally do faster than traffic speeds on the roads that access my work, at least from 20th gear on up at my normal 90 rpms.

 

Soon people will find that gas is more expensive than it's worth. They'll move closer to work, and start walking or biking again. Then, we might even get a more fit population out of the deal.

 

VW

[Hugh Jazz]

In Kansas, everyone drives 55 when the posted speed is 60. I can't figure out why.

 

It can't be conservation because there are plenty of gas stations everywhere, we're in no danger of running out.

 

It can't be fear of getting a ticket because there are never any cops around.

 

I've stopped trying to figure it out. As long as they let me blast by in the left lane going 80, I'm fine with it.

 

Old Bill Clinton did two great things. He signed the law removing the Selective Availability from the GPS system so Dave Ulmer could invent geocaching, and he signed the law repealing Jimmy Carter's nationwide 55 speed limit. Drive the double-nickel if you want to, but don't force the rest of us to drive slow if we're in a hurry and don't mind paying extra for the gas.

 

Gas is cheap. It's bottled water that we need to conserve on. That stuff's really expensive.

[nobby.nobbs]

Pift. If you think you have it bad with fuel prices over there you should try driving here for a bit.

 

Current fuel prices for petrol (unleaded gas) in my home town are 91 english pence per litre. That works out as 344.47p per US liquid gallon. £3.4447 GBP is $6.25 USD.

 

$6.25 USD per gallon.

 

I do get about 35mpg in my Rover.

yeah but that's because we're being screwed by the government

[+AtoZ]

Yes it will halp on any vechile. A 18 wheeler is NOT aerodynamic and look at the saving it gave sissy. Thanks for the advice.

cheers

Edited August 15, 2005 by AtoZ

[+sbell111]

This is kind of a SLAM and I feel unapproerate. CR has contributed GREATLY to this forum and I appricate most stuff they say. So I guess I take it as an afront to slam this this way.

cheers

You might want to give the whole thread a read. He was kidding CR based on a thread from last week (note the smilie). Further, CR's a big boy. He'd let us know if he was offended.

[+sbell111]

I've found that my gas mileage improves greatly in my WJ if I follow the speed limit and use my cruise control. I'm too aggressive to try to do better than the cruise does. The only bad thing is that, around here, the rest of the traffic will try to blow you off the road when you are going the speed limit and the tractor trailors will totally crawl right up on your rear bumper.

[+cudlecub]

I guess the gearing is set up differently with truck now or either it's not the 18 wheelers that are being referred to in the original post. I had the understanding that in the gas crunch of the 70's when the speed limit was reduced to 55 that trucks (18 wheelers) actually got worse fuel economy at lower speed.. The reason for that was at a speed of say 60 mps they could shift to a higher gear which gave better fuel economy.

 

My Subaru Legacy gets anywhere from 25 mpg city to 32 on the highway. I just have to fight the temptation to hot rod past people at stop lights thinking I will conserve time. Anymore it seems gas is more precious than time.

[CoyoteRed]

I guess the gearing is set up differently with truck now or either it's not the 18 wheelers that are being referred to in the original post.

It is an 18 wheeler as I mentioned in my OP. I just called and she said she runs right 1500 RPM at 55 MPH in top gear. The truck's engine is governed at a little over 1800 and the shift range is 1200-1650. It's speed governed at 67 MPH.

 

Others that have done similar slow downs are getting comparible numbers, but few seem to want to continually do 55, so they are not getting the overall savings.

 

But, yes, different trucks are geared differently. The last truck I drove was an old gravel truck and, if memory serves, it topped out at 76 MPH at around 1850 or so. Clearly different gearing. Still, I could do 55 in top gear and not lug the engine. The reason is the majority of secondary roads are 55 max. You might find a divided 4 lane limited access that is 60 or 65 MPH, but most of your non-interstate roads are going to be 55, anyway. So, the gearing has to accomodate that.

 

Additionally, it might not be the best course of action for an over-the-road driver. In a 11 hour day on duty / driving you short yourself 132 miles and at $.90 a mile for an owner operator, you short yourself $4 dollars an hour taking into account miles driven versus fuel saving.

 

However, Sissy drives regionally and day trips only. She gets paid a funky rate, so it makes sense for the company to ask the drivers to slow down.

 

Plus, considering this about geocaching, for us it's worth it for us to slow down. There's really no down side.

 

As for those who want to tailgate, we don't worry what's behind us. We're in the right most lane where we're supposed to be and we give folks plenty of room to get around. In fact, the only problem I've really encountered is it seems folks who are passing think we're going slower than we are and cut back into the lane too soon. But if they put the dag burn cell phone down a second and check their rear view mirror liek they're supposed to that wouldn't happen.

[+deimos444]

A guy named Mr. Roadshow here in the SF Bay area did an experiment a few weeks ago and drove 55mph through the commute(s) one day.

He said that everone from Ford Escorts to the big trucks was tailgating him and/or flipping him off.

Said in fact that he felt quite threatened.

My experience is that for certain times of the day it is stop and go or haul tail.

This makes it kind of hard to control the speed you drive.

I try to commute on my scooter if I can and that adds a whole new dimension to the aspect of defensive driving.

[+sbell111]

... This makes it kind of hard to control the speed you drive. ...

You can't control how other drivers act, but you can still control your speed. As long as you are not in one of the left-most lanes, feel free to drive the speed limit. The other drivers can either go around you, get zen and save some money, or change their blood pressure meds.

[+deimos444]

... This makes it kind of hard to control the speed you drive. ...

You can't control how other drivers act, but you can still control your speed. As long as you are not in one of the left-most lanes, feel free to drive the speed limit. The other drivers can either go around you, get zen and save some money, or change their blood pressure meds.

There is more on heaven and earth than is dreamed of in your philosophy Horatio.

[+sbell111]

Poor Horatio.

[+RJFerret]

Please do NOT slow below the average traffic flow speed...that creates an unsafe condition...

 

From CT DOT site..

If a posted speed limit is unrealistically low, it creates a speed variance (i.e. some drivers follow the speed limit while most drive the reasonable speed). This speed variance can contribute to accidents.

 

Also see Title 23, United States Code, Section 109(d) and Title 23, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 655.601 through 655.603. The MUTCD (Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices) is where these requirements are specified.

 

85/67th PERCENTILE SPEED

 

Defined as that speed at or below which 85 percent of the traffic is moving. On urban roadways the 85th percentile speed has been found to be the safest speed, where the 85th exceeds 50 mph the safest speed shifts to the 90th percentile. Speed limits established on the basis of the 85th percentile on urban roadways conform to the consensus of those who drive highways as to what speed is reasonable and prudent, and are not dependent on the judgement of one or a few individuals.

 

However, in no case should the speed limit be set below the 67th percentile speed of free flowing vehicles.

 

Going too slow IS unsafe.

 

Recently I did a long driving trip and discovered my '91 Toyota MR2 w/80,000 miles got about 30 mpg at 70 mph and 35 mpg closer to 90 mph.

 

I do have a serious lead foot--thankfully gas expenses are amazingly LOW compared to 1955. In 1955 gas ran about 23 cents per gallon. As a percentage of what we earn now compared to then gas could cost nearly $4/gallon!

 

However, you also might be able to save by using higher octane fuel. Around here it costs just 6% more but in my cars gives me 10% more mileage--thereby reducing your per mile cost.

 

Enjoy,

 

Randy

[Pto]

Good advice! I've always driven 1/2 or 3/4 ton Chevy trucks- and I have also found that all of them got better mileage going 75-80 than at 55. Huge difference !

For me, it was all about the "sweet spot" - where the engine would run its best without working, poofing out, etc-

For my trucks, that was around 2500 making 80 mph - but at 1800 doing 55, the motor was in a bad place to make power, was very loud, and gaseous exhaust always tailed in the rear windows.

 

Of course the Officers won't mind Why you are Speeding, as they write you a nice ticket!

[+sbell111]

Please do NOT slow below the average traffic flow speed...that creates an unsafe condition...

 

From CT DOT site..

snip

 

Also see Title 23, United States Code, Section 109(d) and Title 23, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 655.601 through 655.603. The MUTCD (Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices) is where these requirements are specified.

 

snip

 

Going too slow IS unsafe.

While I do agree with your premise, the slower than traffic condition that I referred to in my post was the situation created by my setting the cruise control at the legal speed limit.

 

I'd like to see state law that advises one to drive greater than the speed limit, just because everyone else is.

[+deimos444]

Please do NOT slow below the average traffic flow speed...that creates an unsafe condition...

 

From CT DOT site..

snip

 

Also see Title 23, United States Code, Section 109(d) and Title 23, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 655.601 through 655.603. The MUTCD (Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices) is where these requirements are specified.

 

snip

 

Going too slow IS unsafe.

While I do agree with your premise, the slower than traffic condition that I referred to in my post was the situation created by my setting the cruise control at the legal speed limit.

 

I'd like to see state law that advises one to drive greater than the speed limit, just because everyone else is.

Ex Post Facto speed laws address this.

[+budd-rdc]

More comments about driving at the speed limit:

 

People who chase the speedometer might ultimately be wasting fuel. They tend to fiddle with the brake and the accelerator and that's not very fuel efficient. Try driving behind one of those people - kinda silly.

 

If you are going to chase an instrument on your car, learn to interpret the tachometer.

 

As I said before, driving the flow of traffic on the slow lane is as specific as the advice can get. As with deimos444, I live in the San Francisco Bay Area so I know that the average speed on freeways is rather high here, around 70 mph in many places. I noticed that in Southern CA, average speed can be higher when there's no gridlock - it seems people "release" their frustrations when the traffic is light.

 

I know some states have recognized the hazards of driving too slow (specifically, driving AGAINST the flow of traffic). I recall Maryland has a minimum speed posted. Does the city of Baltimore still use the helicopter to catch those "slowers"?

[+sbell111]

Ex Post Facto speed laws address this.

I don't get the joke. Ex Post Facto laws are unconstitutional.

[+Mudfrog]

Definitely some good advice to save on fuel costs but what im after is real world fuel mileage on different vehicles. Not meaning to derail the thread but this kinda goes along the same lines.

 

Specifically, small SUVs, 2 or 4 wheel drive, with a little bit of ground clearance. I have a couple of Jeep Cherokee XJ 4wds and am wondering if a 2wd model gets any better gas mileage. Im also interested in seeing how well the Nissan Xterra, Honda CRV, and Ford Escape do on fuel? Please only respond if you actually have experience with any of these or if you might have other recommendations.. Thanks!