Posted by Hugh Nations Signing Agents of Austin on 8/3/08 8:08pm
Msg #258361

Leadfoot to lightfoot

Took a trip to the Houston area this weekend; first time I’d actually been out of town all year, except for a trip out to Arizona in March. Tomball, TX, is not the finest wine in the tourism cellar. However, the trip did give me the opportunity to practice my average driver’s version of hypermiling.

Before I began paying attention to my driving habits, the Taurus was getting 18-21 mpg in town. Since I began practicing conservation techniques, I’m in the 20-22 range in the city. On the multi-lane divided highway coming back, I was nudging 26.9 mpg when I hit the last town before the Austin city limits, as opposed to the 22-23 I have been getting on the traffic-free expressways. Five more miles, and it would have rolled up to 27 mpg, I’m sure.

Farther out west this spring, in New Mexico and Arizona, I managed to do 30 mpg once; the average was around 28 mpg. However, I’m not sure I had properly set the Taurus’s mpg gauge, so that figure is somewhat suspect. I’m wondering, though, if altitude has any noticeable effect on mileage. Does anyone know?

It has become abundantly apparent, nonetheless, that simply paying attention to my driving habits will quickly pay remarkable dividends.

At 19 mpg in town, I got 323 miles per tank. At 22 mpg, I’m getting 374 miles. That is an additional 51 miles per tank, an improvement of 15.79 percent, which at $3.79 a gallon translates to a savings of $10.17 per tank. All for driving within the speed limit, avoiding jackrabbit starts, choosing to pass when it can be done with minimal acceleration, and using more engine brake on stops.

Reply by jba/fl on 8/7/08 9:58pm
Msg #259230

For some reason I missed original post till today - I love t

to hypermile whenever I can. Since after 7:30-8pm Orlando is not as busy these days because of high gas prices, I find the roads less crowded and can practice. Best is when you can avoid stops, slowing plenty of time to avoid the lights. My best is 99+ over 15 minutes - the Prius guage doesn't go any higher. I usually avg. 47 or so over the entire tank, but try to stretch as much as poss. lately.

I commend your efforts - everyone should try it.