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Father, commuter, n00b
Hey, everyone. My name is Devon, and I'm in Knoxville, Tennessee. I've got a 28 mile commute to work every day. I'm also responsible for all my daughter's transportation between my place and her mom's (40 miles) for my weekly time with her. I'm desperate for ways to minimize the impact of all this driving on my meager salary. I have already enjoyed modest improvements after employing some hypermiling techniques. I've got a six-cylinder 2001 Accord. I measured my mileage at about 28mpg just after buying the vehicle. I just measured at 31.5mpg after starting some of the techniques. I'm excited for bigger gains, but I ultimately want to get away from a gas powered vehicle altogether. Hopefully, there will someday be a viable electric alternative for people driving longer distances regularly like myself.
Oh yeah. Feel free to check out my blog. I have a pretty eclectic range of interests so don't be surprised to find some weird stuff there. I'm looking forward to getting involved here. Now, off to browse the forums! |
Welcome to ecomodder! Have you check out our hypermiling tips yet?
Ever thought about trading your car in for something a little more mileage friendly? Like a 4 cylinder accord or something such? |
I actually thought about trying to trade for a Civic, but I've had this vehicle for a couple of years and know it's in good shape. I would hate to gain 8mpg but end up with a car with problems unseen at the time of purchase. I would love to trade on a new (or even a used) hybrid, but I can't really afford it right now. I have actually even looked into getting some sort of small electric vehicle like a moped or a scooter to use for commuting on the days I'm not transporting my daughter, but their ranges are too short. I could probably make it one way, but I would only be comfortable if I could get there and back on a charge.
That may be a far more in-depth response than you wanted, but, on the off-chance that you want even more, I posted about this not long ago. I even linked to your tips page in my blog post! |
You could always pick up a gas scooter for work. Can't argue with 100 MPG, :)
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That's true. I may explore that option further...
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PS: I don't know if you use any social media, but if you see me around on digg, reddit, su (SVOboy), feel free to add me, :)
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Welcome to the community. Is it an automatic or manual? When you get time put your car in the garage, It's an excellent way to track how different thing affect your mileage. If you can afford to get a Scan Gauge it will really help. Driving techniques is the biggest improvement you can make. Look forward to your progress.:turtle::turtle:
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I will add it to the garage right now. I have also been tracking it at mymileagemarker.com. That computer looks awesome. Everything I have read about hypermiling has said the best thing you can do is to get one of these so that you are aware immediately of the impact of certain techniques on your mileage. I think one may be in my future. Thanks for the link! |
does it say in gear or out? because i know it is if your in gear. and it doesnt damage it in neutral unless you start it back up while goin 55 on the highway, then put it in gear. most transmissions are designed to start in first gear when you engage it onto drive, which is bad at 55mpg :(
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I did the engine off coasting in my automatic for a week or so but since have stopped because the members here and another (altima specific) forum i frequent at have convinced me that there might be damage occurring and I am not going to risk it for a couple of bucks.
http://forum.ecomodder.com/showthrea...53.html?t=1153 You can come to your own conclusion there^ because there are mixed answers. I guess it depends on the vehicle. |
It really depends on the vehicle. Some vehicles read the speed and decide which gear to go into. Most don't though :(
I only Engine off coast when I know I'm gonna completely stop, such as in my driveway. One thing about shifting into neutral, only do it when your below 30 as a guideline. You can shift into neutral at a stoplight for instance, since you will use less fuel. While in Drive your engine uses more fuel to keep it running since obviously it's still trying to move, but your not letting it. so in neutral, it eases the burden, and you use less fuel. But when you put it in drive, wait till the car starts moving on it's own before using the gas. :thumbup: |
The other issue, aside from shifting back into gear, is lubrication. Can the vehicle be flat towed or not (all wheels on the ground)? If your manual says "NO", it's because the transmission internals aren't being lubricated when the engine is off, so long engine-off glides could potentially damage it.
One reason some Saturn models were so popular to tow behind RV's is because their automatic trannys could be towed in neutral without damage. PS. welcome to the forum! |
OH yes! welcome, I completely forgot :rolleyes: Welcome to EM!
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Thanks to everyone for the hospitality. I have gotten tons of great information from you guys so far. I have just about decided a gas scooter might be my best bet for serious gas savings. I'm going to try to test drive one this week and may buy soon. I also plan to get a ScanGauge for my Accord as I will still have to use it in some instances. Thanks for everything. I'm sure I will be back with many more questions as my adventure in the land of hardcore fuel economy continues. In fact, I have already posted a list of questions about gas scooters in the Alternative Vehicles forum. You guys will regret letting me join soon enough. ;)
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