Feet technique. - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

nayeliesuncle · 03-25-2010, 07:57 PM

Like the old heel and toe of race driving, I think getting the last MPG requires special attention to how the feet are used.

After adjusting my driving position I was able to find that:

Removing your shoes helps to regulate the accelerator better.
Putting your heel as close to the accelerator pedal as possible provides better control of the accelerator. It minimizes the effect the foot has on the accelerator and reduces foot fatigue.
Left foot braking helps to keep the right leg in position.

I know this seems simple, but it made a huge difference in my ability to control the engine speed at a much finer rate.

What special foot technique do you use?

Angmaar · 03-25-2010, 08:17 PM

I just use the "normal" foot technique with one foot for the accelerator/brake. I plan on taking off my shoes and driving sometime to see if there is a difference though.

KITT222 · 03-25-2010, 08:33 PM

Only issue with using two feet, one for accelerator, one of braking, is that you may hit the brake, or your leg may twitch and accelerate the car when you want to brake. You'd have to get used to the footing.

Angmaar · 03-25-2010, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KITT222

Only issue with using two feet, one for accelerator, one of braking, is that you may hit the brake, or your leg may twitch and accelerate the car when you want to brake. You'd have to get used to the footing.

That's why I don't use one foot for the accelerator and one for the brake. The small FE isn't worth my safety. IMO

comptiger5000 · 03-25-2010, 11:06 PM

I agree. 1 foot with good response time and training is almost as good, and a bit more foolproof.

The only time I drive 2 footed is if I drive the Jeep over something where I'm not crawling in 4lo, and want to keep a little gas on and regulate speed with the brakes for better control (rather than idle up to something, gas up, launch over it too hard, back off gas, stop again).

Clev · 03-26-2010, 02:30 AM

I've tried the shoe-off technique, and it really does improve precision.

PaleMelanesian · 03-26-2010, 11:21 AM

I use the "heel close to the gas pedal" technique.

For fine-tuning steady speeds, losing the shoes helps. I don't feel it helps much for P&G driving, though.

MadisonMPG · 03-26-2010, 01:30 PM

I drive barefoot if possible. Left foot is where it should be, on the clutch pedal. :P

I feel so unconnected if I drive with shoes on...lol

MARTINSR · 03-26-2010, 04:22 PM

I am with the one foot for both pedals technique. First off isn't the idea to get your foot off the brakes! I am new to the hypermiling nuances but the basics in my mind are to get your foot off the brake and coast so to be braking and accelerating so close together makes no sense to me at all, am I missing something?

All I see is that you are accelerating, then coast, you are NEVER go from brake to accelerating, you go from coast to accelerate. And you NEVER go from accelerate to brake, you go from accelerate to coast.

Brian

bestclimb · 03-26-2010, 09:58 PM

I place my foot against the mound next to the accelerator and let the edge of my foot press down on the far end of the pedel. I also have a poboy's cruse control with a bicyle shifter to hold the throttle open at a steady place. It does not have enough leverage to open the throttle easely but it holds it in position nicely, and is easy to disinguage.