Civic guy with goal of 50 mpg

[SentraSE-R]

There's a thread about max. sidewall pressure, and how the different passenger car tire mfrs interpret the same federal standard. Three of them, including Michelin, decided to mark their tires 44 psi max. The others interpreted the federal standard to mean 51 psi max, and they mark their tires for 51 psi. IMO, you should have no problems doing your tire tests at 51 psi.

You're probably correct that you're approaching your maximum potential with your AT LX. But since we're both in the Bay Area, it might help if we meet & compare driving techniques along a portion of your commute - e.g. a 10 or 20 mile stretch - some weekend.

[mmmodem]

Originally Posted by SentraSE-R

There's a thread about max. sidewall pressure, and how the different passenger car tire mfrs interpret the same federal standard. Three of them, including Michelin, decided to mark their tires 44 psi max. The others interpreted the federal standard to mean 51 psi max, and they mark their tires for 51 psi. IMO, you should have no problems doing your tire tests at 51 psi.

You're probably correct that you're approaching your maximum potential with your AT LX. But since we're both in the Bay Area, it might help if we meet & compare driving techniques along a portion of your commute - e.g. a 10 or 20 mile stretch - some weekend.

Thank! It would be great to compare notes some weekend. You're averaging the same as me with a much less aerodynamic vehicle, so I think I have some work to do.

On coasting in gear or neutral. It would seem that if I wanted to maximize distance, I would definitely coast in neutral. But if my goal was to slow down as in most cases like stop light ahead or traffic stopped in front of me, I would want to coast in gear. I actually can't even think of reason to coast in neutral. Besides P&G & EOC, if I am not stepping on the gas, I am trying to slow down, therefore, I should coast in gear. Someone please correct me if I am wrong.

[PaleMelanesian]

If you need engine braking to slow you down, you're going too fast. Next time go into neutral and start to coast sooner. It takes some readjustment to get the timing right, but when you to you'll see an improvement at the pump.

If the car is in gear, that's not coasting. That's engine braking. Especially a Honda automatic - they programmed it to engine brake like crazy.

You want to be coasting as much as possible. If you're going to fast, then go into engine braking. If still too fast, use the normal brakes. If you're going too slow, give it some gas and then get back into neutral.

[SentraSE-R]

^^^ I'm coasting in neutral 3-4 blocks before stops, and almost never use/need engine braking. It sounds like you're wasting gas and momentum by using your gas pedal far too much. You'll see the difference when you ride with me.

[Whoops]

On tire pressures, I have never encountered a physical tire failure, related to over inflating. What I did fine was that on my car, it started getting squirly to drive, when I was over about 40 psi. At 40 psi, it rides a little more rough, but the handling, braking and tire wear, all seemed to be ok.