Anyone try cutting motor off at traffic lights to see MPG savings?
06-08-2008, 12:14 PM
#41
Registered Member
Originally Posted by BEAR-AvHistory
Bald Head Island, NC off Frying Pan Shoals. The run out to the Gulf Stream is about 50 miles, generally 2 hours each way.
Sounds right, they added a lot of those oil/ng fired generators to increase capacity after the power blackouts in the mid 1960's
Sounds right, they added a lot of those oil/ng fired generators to increase capacity after the power blackouts in the mid 1960's
06-08-2008, 01:16 PM
#42
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Originally Posted by SouthernBoy
I know where Bald Head Island is, though I have never ventured onto it. I am in that part of NC twice a year while heading to my vacation destination. The low country is one of God's treasures and the Atlantic great down there.
http://www.baldheadisland.com/
Back to the shut off thing. My personal opinion, everybody has one, is if you are not making a savings of at least 5mpg all the time you are just wasting your time. I don't believe your wallet will feel 1 or 2 MPG either way since there are so many variables that can effect that small of a range on any given day.
06-09-2008, 01:24 PM
#43
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Originally Posted by SouthernBoy
As for constantly turning your TL's engine off and on, I would not recommend this for the simple reason that it could be dangerous. What if you need to get out of the way of something LIKE RIGHT NOW? And then there is the normal wear and tear on the starter, the engine itself, the Navi (if you have that), and a host of other components (A/C if it's on). Any minor savings you might gain would be negligible I would think.
Give this some thought before you enter into a habit of doing it.
Give this some thought before you enter into a habit of doing it.
x564646786543136134654
06-09-2008, 02:33 PM
#44
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There are other (safer) ways of saving gas if you're really that much into it.
1. Keep your tires properly inflated: less inflation means more rolling resistance, means more power to get the car moving, infinitely means more gas.
2. Accelerate slowly and keep a low speed. Coasting whenever you can helps too.
3. If in a manual, always cruise in the highest possible gear, even if rpms go as low as 1500.
4. Remove any unused items or junk in the trunk from your car. you'd be surprised how much junk is actually in your car.
1. Keep your tires properly inflated: less inflation means more rolling resistance, means more power to get the car moving, infinitely means more gas.
2. Accelerate slowly and keep a low speed. Coasting whenever you can helps too.
3. If in a manual, always cruise in the highest possible gear, even if rpms go as low as 1500.
4. Remove any unused items or junk in the trunk from your car. you'd be surprised how much junk is actually in your car.
06-09-2008, 10:49 PM
#45
'10 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
Originally Posted by rockyfeller
If you are idling past a couple minutes I'd say it's worth the few cents saving in gas. I don't think it's a good idea doing it repeatedly in short intervals. That is killing your battery, starter and cycling your computers/nav/air conditioning etc. too many times for not enough of a reason. Your whole car is sorta stressed out by doing it. A dollar saved on gas will make up for itself royally in case something goes wrong.
If your car is driven easy and steady it's always happier. Just TIME yourself for those lights. No need to accelerate to a red light only to press the brakes suddenly. (80% of people drive like that, I DON'T get it!! Most are not paying attention to driving. They are on the phone! Perhaps the biggest cause of erratic driving and fuel ineffieciency.) Just coast up to red lights and chances are by the time you get there it'll turn green. Also if you time that the green light will turn red, step on it a bit to beat it. That lil extra speed and gas consumption will definitely be better than idling at a red light time and gas-wise.
I am always coasting along in the right lane so I don't piss off people behind me. I keep up with the morons doing those jackrabbit spurts and wasting gas in the left lane. No use doing that in the inner city. Make the traffic lights work for YOU and you can use time and gas efficiently and your car will be driven lightly and be happy.
If your car is driven easy and steady it's always happier. Just TIME yourself for those lights. No need to accelerate to a red light only to press the brakes suddenly. (80% of people drive like that, I DON'T get it!! Most are not paying attention to driving. They are on the phone! Perhaps the biggest cause of erratic driving and fuel ineffieciency.) Just coast up to red lights and chances are by the time you get there it'll turn green. Also if you time that the green light will turn red, step on it a bit to beat it. That lil extra speed and gas consumption will definitely be better than idling at a red light time and gas-wise.
I am always coasting along in the right lane so I don't piss off people behind me. I keep up with the morons doing those jackrabbit spurts and wasting gas in the left lane. No use doing that in the inner city. Make the traffic lights work for YOU and you can use time and gas efficiently and your car will be driven lightly and be happy.
I'm glad there is another driver out there who thinks as I do, I was passed today by a minivan because I accelerated to slow, so he jumps ahead of me, all the while I'm continuing at my pace and he ends up having to hit his brakes for the bus ahead, while I kept coasting while not needing to ever hit my brakes.
I once drove through 8 intersections without having to hit the brakes.
06-09-2008, 10:53 PM
#46
'10 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
Originally Posted by Fyre Man
There are other (safer) ways of saving gas if you're really that much into it.
1. Keep your tires properly inflated: less inflation means more rolling resistance, means more power to get the car moving, infinitely means more gas.
2. Accelerate slowly and keep a low speed. Coasting whenever you can helps too.
3. If in a manual, always cruise in the highest possible gear, even if rpms go as low as 1500.
4. Remove any unused items or junk in the trunk from your car. you'd be surprised how much junk is actually in your car.
1. Keep your tires properly inflated: less inflation means more rolling resistance, means more power to get the car moving, infinitely means more gas.
2. Accelerate slowly and keep a low speed. Coasting whenever you can helps too.
3. If in a manual, always cruise in the highest possible gear, even if rpms go as low as 1500.
4. Remove any unused items or junk in the trunk from your car. you'd be surprised how much junk is actually in your car.
Yes, this is critical, I never understood why people cruise around in a truck loaded with garbage, the more weight a car has to lug around the greater the strain on the motor, that yields a higher gas consumption.
06-10-2008, 09:05 AM
#48
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Rockyfeller hit a home run on this one, timing the lights, it works wonders. I do the same and also put it in neutral on long downhills. It is fun to reset your MID just before you do that and watch it show 40+ mpg for awhile. Unfortunately, when you have to put it back in gear, your average drops considerably but I can still average around 28 - 30 if driving conservatively. Yes, it is a boring way to drive so I have to go to WOT at least once or twice a trip to see why I didn't but that Civic Hybrid.
06-10-2008, 09:46 AM
#50
'10 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
Originally Posted by phatbastard
You guys need to go out and buy a toyota prius if you are that concerned with gas.
Its not that I am so overbearingly concerned with gas prices that I am forced to drive this way, its simply the fact that I would like to reduce gas consumption where ever possible.
Its a practice that everyone should take up on.
06-10-2008, 11:45 AM
#51
it would be more efficient to throw your car in nuetral when coming up to a light (even if its green) this way your cruising at idle speeds and your momentum is not lost. you would have to be really good at timing yourself if you wanted to shut off and on. its not worth it and coasting will save you more gas, as well as using cruise control to accelerate and minimizing brake usage
06-10-2008, 12:01 PM
#52
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Originally Posted by 2008 Acura TL
We need to get the government to cap oil prices to stop these hedge fund brokers from raising the price of a barrel of crude to new daily highs. For cripes sakes, a barrel of crude rose $12 on Friday. It's not the refiners, it's not the oil companies, it's the good ol' USA causing this. Greedy sons-of-bitches. A few get rich while they are destroying the US economy.
Drive less, walk more, if possible. Or buy a mini-cooper.
Drive less, walk more, if possible. Or buy a mini-cooper.
06-10-2008, 12:05 PM
#53
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Originally Posted by SouthernBoy
One of the last things you want to happen is to let the government get their stinking hands involved in private business. More moves towards socialism is NOT in anyone's best interest.
There are a boatload of reasons for the high costs of crude, India an China being two of them. Economics 101. When demand goes up, prices go up. And both India and China together have over two billion people, many of whom need and use oil products.
Here in the U.S., we could use more refineries.. that would help. Also an increase in nuclear power plants would help significantly ease the draw on oil and coal. Here in Virginia, about 40% of our electricity is generated through nuclear power. In California, I would be surprised if it's more than 10%.. very surprised.
There are a boatload of reasons for the high costs of crude, India an China being two of them. Economics 101. When demand goes up, prices go up. And both India and China together have over two billion people, many of whom need and use oil products.
Here in the U.S., we could use more refineries.. that would help. Also an increase in nuclear power plants would help significantly ease the draw on oil and coal. Here in Virginia, about 40% of our electricity is generated through nuclear power. In California, I would be surprised if it's more than 10%.. very surprised.
06-10-2008, 12:42 PM
#54
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Originally Posted by muldsr01
I'm glad somebody understands the fundamental concept of free market economics. I think it's funny that Obama thinks that taxing "Big Oil" and making gas cost 5-6 dollars at the pump is what Americans are reallly clamoring for. Unfortunately, most people are too stupid to understand that paying 6 dollars for gas is worse for consumers than paying 4 dollars for gas, as assbackwards as that sounds.
The part he is not telling the consumers that in the end they will be the ones 'paying' the oil companies newly increased taxes through price increases at the pump.
Its also interesting that the various government entities that tax gasoline are taking 15% while the oil companies clear just 7% on the price of a gallon.
06-10-2008, 12:59 PM
#55
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Negligible
I live in Atlanta (hotlanta) and I couldnt imagine killing my ignition during the summer. Temps have been mid 90's already and it's only early June. AC is a must.
I will forgo the gas loss of a few gallons over the course of the year for the comfort. I seriously doubt my wife and kids wouldnt have an objection to it anyway.
Still eager to see the results though. Keep us posted on the experiment.
I will forgo the gas loss of a few gallons over the course of the year for the comfort. I seriously doubt my wife and kids wouldnt have an objection to it anyway.
Still eager to see the results though. Keep us posted on the experiment.
06-10-2008, 04:48 PM
#57
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I'm curious, though. I know that the 2006 Accord hybrid shuts off its engine when coasting or at a stop. Does it use a different system that avoids harm to the starter? Why is it safe in that but not in a TL or in any other non-hybrid?
06-10-2008, 05:21 PM
#58
Originally Posted by Fyre Man
3. If in a manual, always cruise in the highest possible gear, even if rpms go as low as 1500.
I agree that in general you should be in the highest gear possible but wonder how low is too low as far low for rmps?
06-10-2008, 06:13 PM
#59
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Originally Posted by apnorm
Interesting you mention this. I was having this conversation with a friend that I commute into work with and he mentioned the same thing but I disagreed with him. My logic was that if the rpms go too low, it would be harder to maintain speed and thus require more gas. I used the analogy of putting a bicycle in it's highest gear and going really slow. It would actually require more effort on the rider than downshifting a couple of gears.
I agree that in general you should be in the highest gear possible but wonder how low is too low as far low for rmps?
I agree that in general you should be in the highest gear possible but wonder how low is too low as far low for rmps?
On a car, it would be hard to accelerate in a higher gear, but not maintaining speed.
As far as how low is too low, i think it varies for different cars, but maybe 1500-2000 rpm
06-10-2008, 06:15 PM
#60
Registered Member
Originally Posted by apnorm
Interesting you mention this. I was having this conversation with a friend that I commute into work with and he mentioned the same thing but I disagreed with him. My logic was that if the rpms go too low, it would be harder to maintain speed and thus require more gas. I used the analogy of putting a bicycle in it's highest gear and going really slow. It would actually require more effort on the rider than downshifting a couple of gears.
I agree that in general you should be in the highest gear possible but wonder how low is too low as far low for rmps?
I agree that in general you should be in the highest gear possible but wonder how low is too low as far low for rmps?
However, there are some other factors to consider before discounting this completely. What type of road is it (smooth, good surface)? How is the terrain (flat or hilly or curves of a combination of these)? What kind of load is the engine exposed to (number of passengers, equipment/baggage, etc.)? And how is the traffic (are you having to add throttle and change lanes from time to time)?
The engine has a very good way of communicating to you when it is under a load condition.. it lugs or stresses. This is a very good indicator that a lower gear is preferable. Finding that "sweet spot" and trying to stay in that zone is where you will generally find the best fuel economy under the variations of all conditions.
06-10-2008, 06:29 PM
#61
Burning Brakes
The wear and tear on your engine (not just the starter, but the whole engine) would far exceed the benefit of saving a few cents worth of gas.
I only turn off my engine when I have to wait for a train because they are usually at least 10 minutes long.
I only turn off my engine when I have to wait for a train because they are usually at least 10 minutes long.
06-10-2008, 07:12 PM
#62
The DVD-A Script Guy
No, I'm not going to start shutting off the motor. Just doesn't seem like the net benefit is worth the trouble.
What I HAVE started doing is slowing down very gradually for upcoming red lights in hopes they will turn green well before I need to stop. I may be minor but getting back to 40mph from a dead stop uses far more energy (and clutch) than getting back to 40 from 25. Probably more "feel good" than anything else. Hey, the same practice saves my legs out on the bicycle. Energy is energy be it muscle or petrol
What I HAVE started doing is slowing down very gradually for upcoming red lights in hopes they will turn green well before I need to stop. I may be minor but getting back to 40mph from a dead stop uses far more energy (and clutch) than getting back to 40 from 25. Probably more "feel good" than anything else. Hey, the same practice saves my legs out on the bicycle. Energy is energy be it muscle or petrol
06-10-2008, 07:44 PM
#63
Adobeman is doing it right!!
Brake early for red lights and coast to the light- if it goes green, fas less energy is consumed getting from 25 to 40 than required by the next car-- that blew past you and up to the lights... in a great demo of late braking technique~
While you casually proceed thru the now green light, and back on the cruise control
Brake early for red lights and coast to the light- if it goes green, fas less energy is consumed getting from 25 to 40 than required by the next car-- that blew past you and up to the lights... in a great demo of late braking technique~
While you casually proceed thru the now green light, and back on the cruise control
06-10-2008, 08:18 PM
#67
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Originally Posted by Fyre Man
There are other (safer) ways of saving gas if you're really that much into it.
1. Keep your tires properly inflated: less inflation means more rolling resistance, means more power to get the car moving, infinitely means more gas.
2. Accelerate slowly and keep a low speed. Coasting whenever you can helps too.
3. If in a manual, always cruise in the highest possible gear, even if rpms go as low as 1500.
4. Remove any unused items or junk in the trunk from your car. you'd be surprised how much junk is actually in your car.
1. Keep your tires properly inflated: less inflation means more rolling resistance, means more power to get the car moving, infinitely means more gas.
2. Accelerate slowly and keep a low speed. Coasting whenever you can helps too.
3. If in a manual, always cruise in the highest possible gear, even if rpms go as low as 1500.
4. Remove any unused items or junk in the trunk from your car. you'd be surprised how much junk is actually in your car.
Dude are you really 15 year's old.. Cause if you are, you sure as hell write better than 1/4 of people on here.
06-10-2008, 08:18 PM
#68
lets see, cost of new starter versus saving a little fuel...................
06-11-2008, 08:56 AM
#69
Originally Posted by Eoanou
Its not that I am so overbearingly concerned with gas prices that I am forced to drive this way, its simply the fact that I would like to reduce gas consumption where ever possible.
Its a practice that everyone should take up on.
Its a practice that everyone should take up on.
I think all of us should be interested to conserve not just the Prius drivers. (except when I am rarely in that "race" mode and I want to let rip.....yeah then fuel economy temporarily takes a back seat.....that's why I didn't buy a Prius or Civic either) I am not SO suprised or outraged that gas prices went up. It was inevitable. Maybe I'm a bit distraught it went up THIS fast. I wish it would gradually go up over the course of a year maybe so people could prepare themselves. Really, it's about time Americans stopped taking oil for granted. Most of the 7-passenger 15mpg SUVs I see on the road are carrying only the driver. This country is king of waste. The rest of the world has been paying even more for years and have had to adjust to this. It is in the budget of most Americans to still afford gas, we are just not used to it. We can begin by reducing consumption.
I just want to emphasize that cell-phones definitely contribute to erratic fuel inefficient drivers. Just watch the people who block the left passing lanes or people who do all the dumb stuff on the highway. Watch them take 5 minutes to park a car. Pass them and look into their cars......they are ON THE CELL PHONE. Not to mention these people cause many accidents and most of the traffic jams too. ALL killing gas!
Another thing is cruise control really helps on the highway as long as it isn't too curvy and hilly. It's been said you get better mileage keeping it at 55-65 but you guys all know that already.
My driving style is a smooth one. I never jerk around I am even light on the brakes! Why? Because I like to conserve my LED brake lights. lol. How about keeping the wheels cleaner because of less brake dust? Another side-effect but that's not it. Naw, I like to save the pads but most importantly just remember: EVERYTIME you press the brakes you are wasting energy. You can conserve gas by coasting and doing steady stops and braking lightly and only when necessary. It takes extra energy to get you back up to speed again. If you can act like your own "cruise contol" even at low speeds you will see great returns.
I average 25 city and 29 highway with my driving. I have seen as high as 32mpg on long trips. See it all adds up over time!
06-11-2008, 09:03 AM
#70
Originally Posted by Eoanou
Its not that I am so overbearingly concerned with gas prices that I am forced to drive this way, its simply the fact that I would like to reduce gas consumption where ever possible.
Its a practice that everyone should take up on.
Its a practice that everyone should take up on.
I think all of us should be interested to conserve not just the Prius drivers. (except when I am rarely in that "race" mode and I want to let rip.....yeah then fuel economy temporarily takes a back seat.....that's why I didn't buy a Prius or Civic either) I am not SO suprised or outraged that gas prices went up. It was inevitable. Maybe I'm a bit distraught it went up THIS fast. I wish it would gradually go up over the course of a year maybe so people could prepare themselves. Really, it's about time Americans stopped taking oil for granted. Most of the 7-passenger 15mpg SUVs I see on the road are carrying only the driver. This country is king of waste. The rest of the world has been paying even more for years and have had to adjust to this. It is in the budget of most Americans to still afford gas, we are just not used to it. We can begin by reducing consumption.
I just want to emphasize that cell-phones definitely contribute to erratic fuel inefficient drivers. Just watch the people who block the left passing lanes or people who do all the dumb stuff on the highway. Watch them take 5 minutes to park a car. Pass them and look into their cars......they are ON THE CELL PHONE. Not to mention these people cause many accidents and most of the traffic jams too. ALL killing gas!
Another thing is cruise control really helps on the highway as long as it isn't too curvy and hilly. It's been said you get better mileage keeping it at 55-65 but you guys all know that already.
My driving style is a smooth one. I never jerk around I am even light on the brakes! Why? Because I like to conserve my LED brake lights. lol. How about keeping the wheels cleaner because of less brake dust? Another side-effect but that's not it. Naw, I like to save the pads but most importantly just remember: EVERYTIME you press the brakes you are wasting energy. You can conserve gas by coasting and doing steady stops and braking lightly and only when necessary. It takes extra energy to get you back up to speed again. If you can act like your own "cruise contol" even at low speeds you will see great returns.
I average 25 city and 29 highway with my driving. I have seen as high as 32mpg on long trips. See it all adds up over time!
06-11-2008, 09:38 AM
#71
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Originally Posted by ballerjai
Dude are you really 15 year's old.. Cause if you are, you sure as hell write better than 1/4 of people on here.
haha yeah, I am. I just like reading stuff on these kinds of topics.
06-11-2008, 07:17 PM
#73
Suzuka Master
Originally Posted by Fyre Man
I'm curious, though. I know that the 2006 Accord hybrid shuts off its engine when coasting or at a stop. Does it use a different system that avoids harm to the starter? Why is it safe in that but not in a TL or in any other non-hybrid?
from popular mechanics:
http://www.popularmechanics.com/blog...c/4235966.html
Q: I have a question about one of your answers in the December 2007 Car Clinic section. In the answer for "He Said She Said", you state that
Could you please tell me how the engine remains running when there is absolutely no fuel flowing into it as the injectors are "completely off"? The problem I see with this is that when you push on the gas pedal, how does the vehicle start up again?
A: When the vehicle is coasting, the wheels keep the engine turning. (Or almost stops if you have an automatic trans). When the engine speed gets low, the fuel is turned back on, and the engine commences normal idle.
"Most fuel-injected cars turn the fuel delivery completely off when you lift your foot from the accelerator."
A: When the vehicle is coasting, the wheels keep the engine turning. (Or almost stops if you have an automatic trans). When the engine speed gets low, the fuel is turned back on, and the engine commences normal idle.
06-11-2008, 08:18 PM
#74
CLS 6MT Navi
I've read quite a bit on hypermiling and have modified my driving and enjoy the challenge. I got 25mpg in mixed driving (no AC) and just got 30mpg hiway at 70mph with AC. I have a 6 speed CLS.
I do wonder if the hybrids have different type starters since they all turn off when stopped.
I just read that Toyota and others will be adding this feature to some gasoline cars soon. It definitely saves gas but I agree our cars were not designed for it.
I do wonder if the hybrids have different type starters since they all turn off when stopped.
I just read that Toyota and others will be adding this feature to some gasoline cars soon. It definitely saves gas but I agree our cars were not designed for it.
06-11-2008, 08:28 PM
#75
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Alright something I have been doing to save gas since prices went higher.
1) When accelerating try to keep the RPMs around 2000-2500 maybe push 3000.
2) On the highway I have a 30 mile trip each way to school and slowing down has helped me TONS. Going 65-70 vs 75-80 is saving me a lot on gas and maybe about 3-5 minutes difference. Also going at fast speeds you get those idiots who go slow in the left lane which slow you down anyway so you have to accelerate back up to speed.
3) I have always done this to save brakes but a lot of people dont. When you see a red light start SLOWLY braking instead of waiting till the last second and braking fast.
Since I have been doing those first two things a lot more I have seen HUGE differences. On my current tank if I dont get 500 miles out of it I will be pretty damn close.
1) When accelerating try to keep the RPMs around 2000-2500 maybe push 3000.
2) On the highway I have a 30 mile trip each way to school and slowing down has helped me TONS. Going 65-70 vs 75-80 is saving me a lot on gas and maybe about 3-5 minutes difference. Also going at fast speeds you get those idiots who go slow in the left lane which slow you down anyway so you have to accelerate back up to speed.
3) I have always done this to save brakes but a lot of people dont. When you see a red light start SLOWLY braking instead of waiting till the last second and braking fast.
Since I have been doing those first two things a lot more I have seen HUGE differences. On my current tank if I dont get 500 miles out of it I will be pretty damn close.
06-11-2008, 08:32 PM
#76
-Arsenic-
This thread is ridiculous. If gas prices are hurting you so bad you feel the need to turn your car off at stoplights, you are driving the wrong car...
Not to mention the wear and tear you are causing by constantly shutting the car off and on.
Starting an engine is the hardest on it of all driving.
Not to mention the wear and tear you are causing by constantly shutting the car off and on.
Starting an engine is the hardest on it of all driving.
06-11-2008, 11:22 PM
#77
Drifting
Thread Starter
The comments in this thread have been an interesting read. Rest assured, I
can easily afford driving this car at $20/gallon gas prices, so this
experiment is more for entertainment than outright necessity. Hopefully,
all of us may learn a thing or two about some of the ideas that are
presented in this thread because most of the content if very good. I think
it will take $20/gal gas to make the typical American change his outlook
on cars and how to drive them. Gas is still available albeit at a higher
than we would all like cost- this would change quick if the supply of gas
were to drop for some unforeseen event (like a skirmish in Iran?) Those of
you who were around in 1973 remember long gas lines and even/odd fill days
and what happened then. History can easily repeat itself someday. Enough
of the preaching for now...
The 'experiment' is progressing well in its first 6 days of
implementation. So far I have cut the motor an extra 2-4 times per day so
that winds up being an average of 8 starts per day (.vs. 5 if I wasn't
experimenting). I suspect that many of you that are so concerned about
starter wear start your cars more than 7 times a day now without
experimenting. Also, try searching the GEN1 TL forum (with cars > 10
years) age and see how many starter problems are encountered- I found one
hit in which the copper leads needed repair- just ONE! How many of you are
actually going to own their TL for 12 or maybe 14 years when you might
actually need a starter? This issue might be a 3rd owner's concern but
probably won't be your issue. I think the same applies to any additional
engine wear regarding starts too. Remember your engine is idling at 800
RPM and all the extra valve cycles you're doing while idling. I imagine
there cycle limits on valve open/close as well as piston rings along with
the other moving parts in an engine- we just don't know what they are. Do
you think an engine could run for 10+ years idling with regular oil
changes and maintenance? Somehow I doubt it could so that might quantify
some of the costs of idling at a light perhaps.
Of coarse, I won't know the final results until I fill up the tank next
week and see what the actual MPG is. Here's what I know now:
a. my MID has proven uncanningly accurate the 22 months of ownership and
it reads: 21 MPG. Since this is an integer, I have found that actual
MPG is with .5 +/- of MID 90% of the time.
Here are the MID stats so far: MPG=21 MPH=27 DIST=92 TIME=3:25
It's been relatively warm in San Diego so tha AC has been on more than
usual so I would expect a little hit in MPG on this tank.
b. my average MPG of last 5 tanks (including one tank that had a majority
of highway miles) is: 20.36. This will be the benchmark to compare
actual mileage next week to and reach a final conclusion.
c. all other reasonable driving techniques have been and continue to be
used during this experiment period: coasting to red lighted
intersections, reasonable starts, tire pressure, etc.
d. countries like Switzerland have actual laws against idling at
intersections for fuel economy as well as pollution related reasons.
can easily afford driving this car at $20/gallon gas prices, so this
experiment is more for entertainment than outright necessity. Hopefully,
all of us may learn a thing or two about some of the ideas that are
presented in this thread because most of the content if very good. I think
it will take $20/gal gas to make the typical American change his outlook
on cars and how to drive them. Gas is still available albeit at a higher
than we would all like cost- this would change quick if the supply of gas
were to drop for some unforeseen event (like a skirmish in Iran?) Those of
you who were around in 1973 remember long gas lines and even/odd fill days
and what happened then. History can easily repeat itself someday. Enough
of the preaching for now...
The 'experiment' is progressing well in its first 6 days of
implementation. So far I have cut the motor an extra 2-4 times per day so
that winds up being an average of 8 starts per day (.vs. 5 if I wasn't
experimenting). I suspect that many of you that are so concerned about
starter wear start your cars more than 7 times a day now without
experimenting. Also, try searching the GEN1 TL forum (with cars > 10
years) age and see how many starter problems are encountered- I found one
hit in which the copper leads needed repair- just ONE! How many of you are
actually going to own their TL for 12 or maybe 14 years when you might
actually need a starter? This issue might be a 3rd owner's concern but
probably won't be your issue. I think the same applies to any additional
engine wear regarding starts too. Remember your engine is idling at 800
RPM and all the extra valve cycles you're doing while idling. I imagine
there cycle limits on valve open/close as well as piston rings along with
the other moving parts in an engine- we just don't know what they are. Do
you think an engine could run for 10+ years idling with regular oil
changes and maintenance? Somehow I doubt it could so that might quantify
some of the costs of idling at a light perhaps.
Of coarse, I won't know the final results until I fill up the tank next
week and see what the actual MPG is. Here's what I know now:
a. my MID has proven uncanningly accurate the 22 months of ownership and
it reads: 21 MPG. Since this is an integer, I have found that actual
MPG is with .5 +/- of MID 90% of the time.
Here are the MID stats so far: MPG=21 MPH=27 DIST=92 TIME=3:25
It's been relatively warm in San Diego so tha AC has been on more than
usual so I would expect a little hit in MPG on this tank.
b. my average MPG of last 5 tanks (including one tank that had a majority
of highway miles) is: 20.36. This will be the benchmark to compare
actual mileage next week to and reach a final conclusion.
c. all other reasonable driving techniques have been and continue to be
used during this experiment period: coasting to red lighted
intersections, reasonable starts, tire pressure, etc.
d. countries like Switzerland have actual laws against idling at
intersections for fuel economy as well as pollution related reasons.
06-12-2008, 04:54 PM
#78
Instructor
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Sburg Pa
Age: 36
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Originally Posted by DivinDude
Just because the RPM's are higher doesn't mean you are burning more gas. Keep in mind that while in gear, the engine is still turning fluids in the tranny while not moving .. so the RPM's would be lower
06-12-2008, 05:05 PM
#79
Drifting
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Portsmouth, RI
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Originally Posted by LaCostaRacer
With gas prices and MPG being such a hot topic, I thought I started
an experiment with killing my motor and stop lights. I understand
the Japanese and Europeans have been this trick for some time. I
just started today so my data is pretty preliminary but I think my
(all-city) commute to work will see an improvement in MPG by 1 or 2
possibly. I encounter about 2-6 lights per direction in my daily
commute and my average speed on the MID is usually around 24-27mph
depending on highway miles on the weekend mostly.
Here are the situations where I'll kill my motor:
1. light turns red as you approach intersection- you couldn't push
the yellow (we have camaras) and you're stuck waiting an entire
2-4 minute light cycle.
2. you're in a long queue of cars at an intersection and you think
you're mid-way or less through a light cycle. You have gobs of
time to restart you car because there are 10 cars ahead of you
that need to start moving.
I just filled up today so I won't know if this makes any difference
for a week or two but thought it might be interesting to find out.
My quick 1 mile drive from Costco to work yeilded 15 MPG (kill motor
1/3 lights in the drive) and I had 15 MPG instead of the typical
7-12 so it seems to make a difference in this hyper-example anyway.
Has anyone done this with the TL? Did you find a MPG improvement? I
hear if you can beat restarting you car for 30 or more seconds it's
a savings but that may have been factoring $2.00 gas- maybe it's 15
seconds with $4.52 Costco Premium.
I did a search and didn't find anything here or even cartalk.
Please no comments on why you bought a TL- this is just an
experiment more than anything. I haven't heard from any Americans
about this practice so I thought I would check with my favorite TL
car people.
an experiment with killing my motor and stop lights. I understand
the Japanese and Europeans have been this trick for some time. I
just started today so my data is pretty preliminary but I think my
(all-city) commute to work will see an improvement in MPG by 1 or 2
possibly. I encounter about 2-6 lights per direction in my daily
commute and my average speed on the MID is usually around 24-27mph
depending on highway miles on the weekend mostly.
Here are the situations where I'll kill my motor:
1. light turns red as you approach intersection- you couldn't push
the yellow (we have camaras) and you're stuck waiting an entire
2-4 minute light cycle.
2. you're in a long queue of cars at an intersection and you think
you're mid-way or less through a light cycle. You have gobs of
time to restart you car because there are 10 cars ahead of you
that need to start moving.
I just filled up today so I won't know if this makes any difference
for a week or two but thought it might be interesting to find out.
My quick 1 mile drive from Costco to work yeilded 15 MPG (kill motor
1/3 lights in the drive) and I had 15 MPG instead of the typical
7-12 so it seems to make a difference in this hyper-example anyway.
Has anyone done this with the TL? Did you find a MPG improvement? I
hear if you can beat restarting you car for 30 or more seconds it's
a savings but that may have been factoring $2.00 gas- maybe it's 15
seconds with $4.52 Costco Premium.
I did a search and didn't find anything here or even cartalk.
Please no comments on why you bought a TL- this is just an
experiment more than anything. I haven't heard from any Americans
about this practice so I thought I would check with my favorite TL
car people.
06-12-2008, 05:28 PM
#80
Originally Posted by Manach
Could someone explain to me how higher RPM's dosn't mean your burning more gas? I know of many people that assumed the same as I did, Ill have to look into this.
There are situations where this is not true, e.g. trying to accelerate hard uphill when your at 1k rpms. You would use less gas if you downshifted one or two gears first. But if we're talking about cruising at a set speed on a flat road, you're going to burn more gas at 4k rpm than if you were at 2k.