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RedDevil · 06-16-2013, 05:46 PM

I thought I was driving eco friiendly for ages. Engine-off coasing, anticipating the lights, etc. And it did bring reasonable FE, but not beyond. Could not believe those people that actually got better FE than listed, as mine with all my care was right on the mark and never changed. Apart from one holiday trip that gave me a stunning 20% extra distance on a tank.
Then it dawned to me that maybe, just maybe, overspeeding the limit just enough to not get caught was not the best way to save fuel.
So I slowed down and after some getting accustomed to, became happy with following the semis. Suddenly my Nissan went 25% further on a tank.
My wife lost her job, and the Nissan had issues (nearing 300k km). I did some research on automotive costs and went for the Insight. Another 25% FE increase on top of that (initially, now way beyond!)

Now I'm very keen on anything that might enhance my fuel economy, taking small steps at at time, but taking them nonetheless. And I challenge all that want to hear about it (or are still in jeopardy on the subject) to join the effort. It has to be said, many people do listen and have a rethink.
But those who even slightly try to suggest this all being a bit awkward get it in the face: This is my hobby! I do as I like, with good reason. My hobby pays for itself. What's your hobby, then?
Nobody has challenged me beyond that yet

Before this my commute was a nuisance. Now it is a feat of accomplishment. I really enjoy seeing the consumption go down as the engine gets warm and I seat nicely behind a semi with the right speed, at a safe distance of course. Sure it takes a few minutes more, but those are spent listening to my favourite music in an environment with low noise (at least, substantially lower than when speeding) so I arrive relaxed rather than stressed, like I used to.

I'm slightly biased though as I suffer from tinnitus. As I write this my ears ring at approx. 35 dB, just below normal level of speak. Slowing down obviously reduces that effect. But where I am now, even if that were gone it would not change my ways.

06-16-2013, 05:46 PM	#6 (permalink)
RedDevil Master EcoWalker Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Nieuwegein, the Netherlands Posts: 3,999 Red Devil - '11 Honda Insight Elegance Team Honda 90 day: 55.57 mpg (US) Thanks: 1,714 Thanked 2,248 Times in 1,456 Posts	It's my hobby! You don't have a hobby? Come on! I thought I was driving eco friiendly for ages. Engine-off coasing, anticipating the lights, etc. And it did bring reasonable FE, but not beyond. Could not believe those people that actually got better FE than listed, as mine with all my care was right on the mark and never changed. Apart from one holiday trip that gave me a stunning 20% extra distance on a tank. Then it dawned to me that maybe, just maybe, overspeeding the limit just enough to not get caught was not the best way to save fuel. So I slowed down and after some getting accustomed to, became happy with following the semis. Suddenly my Nissan went 25% further on a tank. My wife lost her job, and the Nissan had issues (nearing 300k km). I did some research on automotive costs and went for the Insight. Another 25% FE increase on top of that (initially, now way beyond!) Now I'm very keen on anything that might enhance my fuel economy, taking small steps at at time, but taking them nonetheless. And I challenge all that want to hear about it (or are still in jeopardy on the subject) to join the effort. It has to be said, many people do listen and have a rethink. But those who even slightly try to suggest this all being a bit awkward get it in the face: This is my hobby! I do as I like, with good reason. My hobby pays for itself. What's your hobby, then? Nobody has challenged me beyond that yet Before this my commute was a nuisance. Now it is a feat of accomplishment. I really enjoy seeing the consumption go down as the engine gets warm and I seat nicely behind a semi with the right speed, at a safe distance of course. Sure it takes a few minutes more, but those are spent listening to my favourite music in an environment with low noise (at least, substantially lower than when speeding) so I arrive relaxed rather than stressed, like I used to. I'm slightly biased though as I suffer from tinnitus. As I write this my ears ring at approx. 35 dB, just below normal level of speak. Slowing down obviously reduces that effect. But where I am now, even if that were gone it would not change my ways. __________________ 2011 Honda Insight + HID, LEDs, tiny PV panel, extra brake pad return springs, neutral wheel alignment, 44/42 PSI (air), PHEV light (inop), tightened wheel nut. lifetime FE over 0.2 Gigameter or 0.13 Megamile. For confirmation go to people just like you. For education go to people unlike yourself.