Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum - EcoModder.com - View Single Post - Why do you drive an automatic (unless you don't)?

slowmover · 01-03-2011, 10:19 AM

If so, that is many, many decades ago. I was born in and have lived in NY City for almost six decades, and I've never seen a cab here that wasn't an automatic. Back in the 1950's and '60's there was less vehicle traffic than there is now. If manual transmissions are so wonderful for city use all the cabs would be using them. Unfortunately for your theory, the exact opposite is the reality of the situation.

What difference does it make about the decade? A taxi is stop-n-go in 1946 just as in 2006. The point isn't about exact miles comparisons, but that savvy operators can extend component life through better driving habits. Assume that owner-operators will spec a vehicle differently than a fleet operator (manual vs automatic) in some instances, or that before decent automatics were available that taxi drivers were renowned for long clutch life in tough conditions.

I'm lucky if I can get 30K out of a set of tires (and I always buy tires that have higher treadwear ratings). With brakes, it's about the same. And no, I don't ride the brakes. My driving style is that of trying to avoid having to brake. But with a stop sign on virtually every corner (and sometimes a cop car monitoring it), braking is a necessity as well as a nuisance. You can doubt all you want, but since you don't live under those conditions, you wouldn't know.

No, you've no clue of where I've driven, what I've driven, or how I've done it. Sure, some conditions are tougher than others. So what? Driving for economy is still time versus distance calculations. And it would never occur to me to wonder, much less care, how many LEO's are in a given area as I drive. You find 30k acceptable, then have at it. Others can and will continue to do better. Might try another attitude than assuming you've already all the answers. I've started over in driving more than once.

The only thing you've said in the above is that you find it easier to do what you do. Where is the improvement? (Asked rhetorically: it's your business, not mine).

70k might not work for you. So be it.

Good luck

.

01-03-2011, 10:19 AM	#107 (permalink)
slowmover Banned Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Fort Worth, Texas Posts: 2,442 2004 CTD - '04 DODGE RAM 2500 SLT Team Cummins 90 day: 19.36 mpg (US) Thanks: 1,422 Thanked 737 Times in 557 Posts	If so, that is many, many decades ago. I was born in and have lived in NY City for almost six decades, and I've never seen a cab here that wasn't an automatic. Back in the 1950's and '60's there was less vehicle traffic than there is now. If manual transmissions are so wonderful for city use all the cabs would be using them. Unfortunately for your theory, the exact opposite is the reality of the situation. What difference does it make about the decade? A taxi is stop-n-go in 1946 just as in 2006. The point isn't about exact miles comparisons, but that savvy operators can extend component life through better driving habits. Assume that owner-operators will spec a vehicle differently than a fleet operator (manual vs automatic) in some instances, or that before decent automatics were available that taxi drivers were renowned for long clutch life in tough conditions. I'm lucky if I can get 30K out of a set of tires (and I always buy tires that have higher treadwear ratings). With brakes, it's about the same. And no, I don't ride the brakes. My driving style is that of trying to avoid having to brake. But with a stop sign on virtually every corner (and sometimes a cop car monitoring it), braking is a necessity as well as a nuisance. You can doubt all you want, but since you don't live under those conditions, you wouldn't know. No, you've no clue of where I've driven, what I've driven, or how I've done it. Sure, some conditions are tougher than others. So what? Driving for economy is still time versus distance calculations. And it would never occur to me to wonder, much less care, how many LEO's are in a given area as I drive. You find 30k acceptable, then have at it. Others can and will continue to do better. Might try another attitude than assuming you've already all the answers. I've started over in driving more than once. The only thing you've said in the above is that you find it easier to do what you do. Where is the improvement? (Asked rhetorically: it's your business, not mine). 70k might not work for you. So be it. Good luck . Last edited by slowmover; 01-03-2011 at 10:24 AM..