Quote:
Originally Posted by Blackbird
Understanding the connection between tire size and friction and how it translates into FE, I see why one would think that reducing the friction from the tires would improve FE.
BUT, are those who over inflate their tires or reducing tire width (or reducing the size of the contact patch in any other way) forgetting the purposes of the tires to start with?
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Not the width - that's not how modern tires work (just making sure that's clear)
Quote:
Originally Posted by Blackbird
Being the only contact of the car with the pavement, I don't think that the tires are the right place to improve gas mileage.
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Opinion noted. Please also be aware that tire mfr's DO think tires are a place to improve on - as do auto mfr's that want these tires on their cars....
Quote:
Originally Posted by Blackbird
Reduced contact with the pavement will hurt the performance of the braking system, the ability to corner and even the ability to accelerate sharply on some cars, all of which are needed in order to drive safely.
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Increased contact patch (VIA lower pressure) will reduce tire longevity and increase heat generation. Higher heat --> higher likelihood of failure. Additionally, reduced contact patch with pavement REDUCES risk of hydroplaning which, for me, is a big deal.
With respect to acceleration -- as a hypermiler, I've never put myself into a situation where I needed to accelerate out of a situation. I give myself plenty of room and plenty of space. I've also never read in any defensive driving manual (nor heard in any course) of "accelerate and steer" - I've only heard "brake and steer."
Quote:
Originally Posted by Blackbird
At what point are you allowing your MPG to take a lower priority?
Moti
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I'm trading my higher tire pressures for:
* weekly or more tire inspections
* increased distance between other cars in traffic
* lower speeds while cruising
* higher awareness of the mechanical state of my vehicle
* less use of cruise control (mind on CC => less alert)
* no use of cell phone
It's a more than fair trade considering fellow drivers are putting me at risk by not checking their tires for normal inflation, keep very close distances, yak yak yak on cell phones.
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On the subject of braking... I'm curious how pressure changes brake distance when ABS kicks on... Less traction means more pulsing (in theory - depending on ABS programming). I'll add that to my list of "eventually I'll get to that test" list
