Quote:
Originally Posted by 101Volts
I wasn't saying "lose the spare tire". What speed are you going on highways, Usually?
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Given my own preference it would be as fast as I can get away with, but with age I have learned to slow down and enjoy my thrills on an off-road machine. Typically I travel the speed limit or 8kph over on cruise control if I am pushed for time. This trip was pretty much around 90kph with a few exceptions.
On level ground the best speed for fuel mileage is as slow as you can go in high gear, which is about 70kph and only returns slightly better fuel economy than 85kph which is where the fuel use tends to increase with speed. There is a huge difference between 100kph and 110kph so I rarely exceed 100kph unless drafting or on a downhill. Hilly terrain returns better fuel numbers if I accelerate to 100kph at the bottom of hills and just crest them at 70-80kph, which incidentally tends to be how heavily loaded trucks take them. No longer do I curse those guys, but follow behind them soaking up the fuel mileage benefits.
Drafting a large low vehicle can overcome the advantage of low speeds.
Following a tour bus at 110kph returns the same fuel economy as plodding along at 90kph on my own. This is a no-brainer, give me the speed!
Highway safety is important to me. On dual lane highway where there is ample opportunity to pass, I have no problem doing 20kph under the posted limit. If traffic is heavy or single lane, I speed up to the general flow for safety, plus I am gaining the benefit of drafting. I don't hold a long string of vehicles behind me because some idiot will try to pass where it is not safe.
I used a scantool in my Taurus to learn to increase mileage. Interesting that the 97 Taurus responded to pulse and glide where the 2012 Grand Caravan did not. The Caravan responds to "Rolls Can'ardly" driving, rolls down one hill, can hardly make it up the next! It has ample power but sucks fuel to use it.
Steve