Improving fuel economy
(→Driving technique) |
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*When stopped at a red light, do not shift to neutral as many sites will recommend. It is possible to verify with scanning software that the lower idle RPM reduces consumption, at least in fuel injected engines. | *When stopped at a red light, do not shift to neutral as many sites will recommend. It is possible to verify with scanning software that the lower idle RPM reduces consumption, at least in fuel injected engines. | ||
*Put a block of wood under your accelerator. No kidding. It really works, because of driving habits. Be mindful of how you apply your fuel, think of it in terms of energy, like the cyclist who is trying to keep his legs from aching by pedaling too hard. Coast down hills and get a bit of a run before upcoming hills. And whatever you do, DON'T keep working the accelerator on and off. Find a happy speed and hold it. Acceleration is the biggest energy burner. | *Put a block of wood under your accelerator. No kidding. It really works, because of driving habits. Be mindful of how you apply your fuel, think of it in terms of energy, like the cyclist who is trying to keep his legs from aching by pedaling too hard. Coast down hills and get a bit of a run before upcoming hills. And whatever you do, DON'T keep working the accelerator on and off. Find a happy speed and hold it. Acceleration is the biggest energy burner. | ||
+ | *Pretend there is an egg between your foot and your accelerator pedal. It's an easy habit to develop and you can go about as fast as you like, it will just take longer to get up to speed. Unlike a block of wood, your pretend egg won't come loose, get trapped under the brake pedal, and cause you to plow headlong into a busload of nuns or something. | ||
==Miscellaneous== | ==Miscellaneous== |