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Old 12-15-2008, 08:04 PM   #3 (permalink)
MetroMPG
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Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: 1000 Islands, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 22,534

Blackfly - '98 Geo Metro
Team Metro
Last 3: 70.09 mpg (US)

MPGiata - '90 Mazda Miata
90 day: 54.46 mpg (US)

Appliance car Mirage - '14 Mitsubishi Mirage ES (base)
90 day: 57.73 mpg (US)
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"Yes", but with a caveat.

While you're learning some of the more in depth stuff, it could be taking your attention away from the bigger picture.

I've read more than a couple of threads here about people trying some new technique, eg. engine off coasting (EOC), for the first time in traffic, and it doesn't go well (car doesn't re-start, mistakenly use up brake vacuum reserve...). Nobody's taken out a bus load of nuns so far, but it bears mentioning: learn the more complicated stuff away from traffic.

I also think a good hypermiler will be aware of not just what's ahead, but what's going on behind. OK, that's just basic defensive driving. But as an ecodriver considerate of not enraging drivers behind, you'll also be evaluating closing vehicles and planning for opportunities to let them by. I've driven with some good "technical" hypermilers who surprised me by being oblivious to anything going on behind the door handles.

I just noticed yesterday while I was doing some mild pulse and glide along a rolling coastal road how the technique has become second nature: I was able to P&G, keep tabs on the driving environment in general, AND take in the scenery. But I had the radio switched off.

Having said all that, I'll probably go crash into a tree next time I get behind the wheel...
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Mitsu mods: 70 MPG in my ecomodded, dirt cheap, 3-cylinder Mirage.
Ecodriving test: Manual vs. automatic transmission MPG showdown



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