Greg Campbell wrote:
> Leftie wrote:
>
>> I just averaged 50mpg on a quarter tank of gas with my '95 Civic EX
>> sedan. That's the highest I've ever gotten, and it's not representative
>> because of the small sample and because that driving was 90% highway,
>> but I still find it impressive. What other high numbers are you folks
>> getting? BTW, I practice 'Super-Miling' which is just modest, safe steps
>> to increase economy, unlike 'Hyper-Miling,' which can be dangerous. I
>> run the tires at 38psi cold, coast with the engine *on* when possible,
>> and accelerate gently. I also try to 'time' lights so I don't have to
>> stop more than necessary. I generally get about 41mpg in Summer, a few
>> less in Winter. I use midgrade gas because the gearing is so high I need
>> full engine power to get the best economy.
>
>
> It's a shame that hypermiling gets such bad press. I'm doing much the
> same as you, and get high 30s (city and highway) in an old Accord wagon.
> Having a manual transmission helps; you can coast in neutral and
> accelerate with the engine in it's most efficient RPM/Throttle envelope
> without the transmission downshifting. Back last summer, when gas was
> 4$, I had a fair number of people ask about my mileage. When I told
> them, there was often a mild backlash accompanied by the accusation,
> "Oh, you're one of those hypermilers." I then had to explain that I was
> a 'good' hypermiler. I watch my mirrors, try never to hold up
> traffic, don't run red lights, etc. I may not get 60MPG, but I'm not
> tearing up my car or becoming a traffic hazard.
>
> I'd argue that anyone exceeding EPA is a 'hypermiler,' but agree that
> some of the hardcore techniques do little except alienate the average
> driver. We've all seen the news segments - "See how Wayne gets 65MPG!"
> Most people are curious, but react with a giant 'WTF?' when they see
> one of the HM 'stars' putting down the road trailing a queue of pissed
> off commuters, turning the ignition off while moving, taking freeway
> exits at clearly unsafe speeds, pushing the frigging car across parking
> lots, bragging 'my tires have 70psi,' and engaging in other hare-brained
> behavior. If HM proponents could keep their ego in check and act in a
> less OCD fashion they might manage to get somewhere in terms of
> educating the public. Simply teaching people to anticipate those #$%^
> traffic lights will instantly increase Joe Sixpack's city mileage by 10~20%


Agreed. Slightly higher tire pressure, reasonable acceleration,
and some coasting instead of always having one foot pressing a pedal can
usually save at least 10%.