Quote:
Originally Posted by ZOMGVTEK
Its surprising you can get that kind of MPG out of that car. I struggle to get over 25 MPG in my Accord. But the fact that its a auto, and 10ºF outside starts to kill the possibility of any crazy driving techniques.
40MPG out of a car that isn't unbelievably slow is great.
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Some of the biggest benefits come from the smallest changes. Driving to Glenwood last week I passed the sign that indicated the change from 65mph to 75mph speed limit, I drove up to the limit and noticed my mpg drop from 48-51 (@65mph) to 41-42 even after my speed stabilized. I slowed down to 70mph and it stabilized around 46-48mph and decided that was a worthy compromise on my time vs. cost. I've also learned to shut off the engine when I'm at a stop light if I can see the "white pedestrian" light on the cross light. I can easily turn the car back on when the cross light turns yellow and the "red flashing pedestrian" turns solid.
Sure, I have a unique commute that gives me up to 65mpg driving into work and 31mpg on the way home. However, last weekend made it clear, on the open highway this car could average over 40mpg at reasonable highway speeds with some good technique and some discipline. This is also with aggressive snow tires (Hakkapalitas), 10% ethanol winter gasoline, headlights on, and morning temperatures averaging 24F lately. If I hang on to this car over the winter I suspect with LRR summer tires, pure gasoline, longer daylight, and warmer temperatures I should be able to get a peak around 45mpg this spring.