Projo Cars Blog

Well, I experimented with driving slower this week and found I can definitely save money.

My 1999 Volvo has readouts that tell me my miles per gallon at any one moment and also for a preset trip. I found I could average 32 mpg at around 60 mph over the 30 mile trip from Jamestown to Providence compared with 27 mpg on a more normal, faster run.

(Even at 60 mph, I guess I was exceeding the speed limit. But that is the speed in the slow lane and cars drive were driving around me.

It reminds me of the time an officer pulled me over in a 25 mph zone. I make no defense for the speed I was going, but have you actually tried driving at 25 mph? It is remarkably slow!)

Getting back to my experiment, I should point out that I was driving most of the time on the highway. City driving in a heavy Volvo quickly brings the fuel economy down.

But all in all, there is no question that a lighter foot on the pedal will save money – and lives.
Meanwhile, as if to confirm that fuel economy is on all our minds, J.D. Power and Associates announced that “drivers of new cars were less satisfied with their vehicles this year for the first time in at least five years due mainly to rising fuel prices.”

It noted in its annual survey of vehicle owner satisfaction that part of the problem is that gas prices have risen dramatically over the last 12 months while fuel economy has basically stayed the same.

And the latest Auto Pulse Survey conducted by the Consumer Reports National Research Center shows more than 77 percent of consumers cited the government’s failure to implement an effective energy policy as a root cause for high gas prices.

It also found that nearly 80 percent of car shoppers intend to buy a vehicle with better fuel economy, with 80 percent considering a diesel, flex-fuel, or hybrid vehicle.

Indeed, 31 percent of new-car shoppers said fuel economy was the most important consideration. That is nearly double the share recorded in 2007.

And 54 percent said they would pay more for a more fuel-efficient vehicle while 74 percent are driving less due to fuel costs.

- Peter C.T. Elsworth

Comments

Dan-o said:

I agree with this. I increased my fuel efficiency by around 3-4 MPG by not driving over 70 MPH (except in very rare instances on the interstate if I needed to pass someone).

Link | July 7, 2008 3:43 PM
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Gas Saver said:

How you reach the speed you drive is just as important as the speed it self.

While the exact technique depends on your car, there a few general principles to keep in mind.

1. Accelerate efficiently. For the average V6/V8 with an automatic tranmission this means use just enough fuel to push the RPMs up to about 2500 as you accelerate to 30/35 MPH. Then back off the gas so that the transmission up-shifts to the highest gear and gradually increase your speed up to the speed limit.

2. Don't be afraid to let the vehicle slow down a bit on hills. You'll use less gas if you don't worry about staying at a constant speed.

3. Anticipate stops and let the car slow down by coasting in gear whenever possible. Don't move your foot right from the acellerator to the brake pedal.

4. Learn the roads you drive frequently and work on maintaining a safe speed while applying as little power as possible. A well timed short burst of power, followed by a period of coasting, uses less fuel than constant pressure on the acellerator.

5. If your car has an instantaneous fuel consumption display use it. Otherwise borrow/buy an external OBDII meter. You'll be suprised by what you will learn.

Link | July 13, 2008 12:32 AM
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