Father, commuter, n00b

[raddevon]

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!

[SVOboy]

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?

[raddevon]

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!

[SVOboy]

You could always pick up a gas scooter for work. Can't argue with 100 MPG,

[raddevon]

That's true. I may explore that option further...

[SVOboy]

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,

[Lazarus]

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.

[raddevon]

Originally Posted by Lazarus

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.

It is an automatic. That brings me to a question I have after going through all of the tips last night. This statement scared me a little:

most vehicles with automatic transmissions are not designed to travel with the engine shut off; the transmission may be damaged).

Does anyone know if this applies to my 2001 Accord? I have been using this technique a little bit and haven't noticed any adverse effects, but I'm a bit scared to continue.

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!

[DifferentPointofView]

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

[raddevon]

Originally Posted by DifferentPointofView

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

I stop and start the engine while in neutral. I hadn't considered that it would cause problems to shift back into drive at higher speeds. I'm a real dummy when it comes to cars. I will keep that in mind. Thanks for the help.