I have made a vehicle entry in the garage here, "Dakota A-B-A HAI", specifically to capture trip data related to my hot air intake. I have written down the rules for trip acquisition, which happen to be based on how I would normally drive home. These rules further restrict trip acquisition based on events that would affect fuel consumption (rainy or windy weather, delays due to road construction, elephant races, etc.) The rules below should minimize most of the variables that could significantly affect trip data.
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Each fill-up entry represents one commute from work (or co-worker's house) to home. Three different paths are considered.
- Route A - Work to I-480E to I-77S to home (58.7 miles)
- Route B - Work to I-480E to I-271S to SR 8 to co-worker's house to SR 8 to I-77S to home (61.8 miles)
- Route C - Co-worker's house to SR 8 to I-77S to home (26.5 miles)
Temperature snapshot will be taken at I-77S exit 109, where there is a large sign present that alternates between outside air temperature and the time. The display temperature has been verified to read within one degree F of the vehicle's outside air temperature reading on it's overhead display. The installed ScanGauge II shall be used to record the vehicle's intake air temperature.
Fuel consumption will be recorded with installed ScanGauge II.
All entries are generated between 12:30 AM and 2:00 AM, where there is little traffic present. Each trip begins at work (or co-worker's house), and ends at home.
Vehicle will have sat at work (or co-worker's house) for at least 8 hours prior to trip.
Vehicle does not have any aerodynamic mods, save for a chin spoiler.
The stock cruise control is used, to the maximum extent possible. Speeds to be kept to 7 MPH over the posted speed limit while the vehicle is on the highway, and shall be kept at the speed limit when the vehicle is off the highway. Lane changes to be kept to a minimum. Any attempts to pass slower vehicles to be made only with cruise control set at speed, with no additional acceleration, and by using lane changes as necessary.
Vehicle air conditioning will not be used.
Vehicle to make interim stops only at traffic lights, toll booths, the gas station, and at co-worker's house.
The following will invalidate a trip from being recorded: Road construction along route that spans over 0.5 mile. Delays that reduce vehicle speed to below 50 MPH on the highway. Rainy weather. Wet highway roads. Noticeable winds with windspeeds over 5 MPH, as verified by weather website. Stops made for any purpose other than described above. Driving vehicle for any reason during 8-hour work period. Use of vehicle air conditioning.