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Old 08-20-2011, 05:34 PM   #323 (permalink)
FatCat0
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I don't know if these have been discussed before (don't want to go through all 33 pages :X), but I have some problems seeing two of these (62 and 107) as good ecodriving tips.

Quote:
62) Parking tactics: orbit to bleed momentum
If you find you have too much momentum after reaching your preferred parking spot, continue coasting further down the row or "orbiting" a spot until you can roll to a stop in position without touching the brakes.

(The extent to which you might continue 'orbiting' depends on whether your engine is on/off and whether you're driving a manual or automatic. Also, it depends on traffic in the lot, obviously.)
This is entirely true if your goal is to get as much distance as possible out of every drop of fuel. However, isn't the real goal of ecodriving to get where you're going with as little fuel as possible? Orbiting to bleed momentum will at best lead to the same amount of fuel consumption, and if your engine is idling or ANY of your instrumentation is on it will increase it.

Think about it: If I pull into a parking lot going 20 mph, see a spot right at the entrance, use my brakes and park I've only used a few seconds-worth of idling gas. Yes, I got rid of momentum to the brakes (thus reducing my MPG ever so slightly), but I've arrived at my destination using roughly the amount of fuel it took to get me into the lot. If I bleed momentum and putt around the lot while my car winds down, I've used maybe a minute or more of idling time or even just running the fan, lights, wipers, etc. If I kill the engine as I get into the lot either way uses the same amount of fuel, the latter simply lets me move farther, but for no other purpose than touring the parking lot.

Quote:
107) Listen to slower music
Leave the speed metal at home. Fast paced music can make a driver more impatient, more agressive and likely to speed. At the same time, slower paced music is more relaxing and tends to promote a more sensible driving style while also reducing stress.
This is an entirely subjective tip. For some people I'm sure this is entirely true, but the blanket statement of "faster = more aggressive, slower = more efficient" is plain wrong. My music and my driving are two separate entities, and I'm sure the same is true for plenty of others.

Just my $0.02. I got a number of tips from this list that I'll definitely be employing, but those two stuck out as imperfect to me.
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