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Originally Posted by highhung723
My concerns are:
-how do people deal with honkers, traffic, people wanting to pass you, fast accelerators?
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Just ignore them.
Quote:
Originally Posted by highhung723
My route has a parkway that is 50 MPH, but most people go at least 10 over. I try to go 50 on the right lane, but sometimes traffic makes me want to speed too. How do people get over that urge?
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I'd say that the first rule for hypermiling should be: Pay attention. Essentially, if you make a conscious decision to limit your speed, staying at 50 mph shouldn't be a problem. If you're fighting a desire to go faster, then you're going to have to make a decision.
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Originally Posted by highhung723
When at red lights, I try to accelerate smoothly and slowly. Is there an RPM that I should be aiming for to optimize MPG and acceleration? I try going about 1500 but that is too slow for traffic behind me. I was wondering if there was a more efficient range.
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Everything I've read suggests that the optimal acceleration would be at a heavier load (80% or so), so you should actually be looking to accelerate smoothly and
rapidly. Others here are probably more qualified to advise on the best technique for your particular vehicle.
Quote:
Originally Posted by highhung723
-I'm afraid of turning off my engine during coasts, so right now I'm only going to neutral. I'd like to coast for as long as possible, but people just end up tailgaiting, changing lanes, and then passing me to get one spot ahead at a stoplight. Sometimes this will throw off my estimate and I will have to brake sooner because there are more cars in front. Does this happen to anyone else?
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I think this is just something that you're going to need to develop a feel for. Personally, for my coasting, I use similar rules as with the pulse and glide. In essence, I go in with a set speed (usually +/-5 mph of speed limit), so I will go back in gear and accelerate if necessary. I think a lot of people consider their own safety when hypermiling, but I think it is important to consider the safety of others as well. If my speed drops to a point that it compels someone else to do something stupid, I would still feel responsible for the results.
In my personal experience, coasting to a stop or in traffic has never lead to any problems from rowdy neighbors on the road. Even here in Los Angeles (with some very aggressive drivers), people seem to understand when there is no longer a need to continue accelerating or maintaining the speed limit.