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- - Gas Mileage (http://www.cougarguard.com/forum/showthread.php?t=18766)

From here:

Quote:

Get the Leadfoot Out

You can save fuel immediately in whatever you drive by going easy on the accelerator. Jack rabbit starts and full-throttle acceleration boost fuel consumption dramatically. It's all a matter of degree: Light acceleration saves more than moderate acceleration.

Top speed also plays a part. Most vehicles are most efficient when cruising in their top gear at a relatively low speed. For example, a car with a five-speed transmission would be most efficient in 5th gear at 40 to 55 mph. Wind resistance increases exponentially with speed, so as your pace increases from this point, fuel economy drops dramatically. Onboard trip computers that show instantaneous and average fuel economy are remarkably accurate. Keep an eye on this and you'll learn how to drive in a miserly fashion.

I've never been concerned about saving money by conserving gas. I love accelerating from a stop to the speed limit (or slightly above) so much, it's worth far more to me than the $.10 or $.20 I'll save by going easy on the gas.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spaz (Post 212180)

From here:

I've never been concerned about saving money by conserving gas. I love accelerating from a stop to the speed limit (or slightly above) so much, it's worth far more to me than the $.10 or $.20 I'll save by going easy on the gas.

My philosphy is that I will get to my destination faster, and my car will not be running as long, its sixes.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spaz (Post 212180)

Likewise I have never been concerned about driving across town to the gas station that is $0.05 cheaper a gallon than the one down the road. Save $.50 for 10 gallons worth of gas.

Quote:

Originally Posted by cougjunkie (Post 212268)

My philosphy is that I will get to my destination faster, and my car will not be running as long, its sixes.

Actually I read elsewhere that the best gas mileage is obtained by quickly getting up to the high gears (without squealing the tires, etc, of course). The caveat would be if you get up to 50 mph only to have to brake for a light or congested traffic ahead, in that case anticipating the traffic flow and spacing to reduce unecessary acceleration and deceleration is the most efficient.

And gunning the engine to get through a yellow light is always good ;)

Quote:

Originally Posted by hyrum (Post 212284)

Yes - some of the gas savings by light acceleration would be offset by the gas savings produced at cruising speed over the period that you would otherwise have been accelerating.

To explain with math nerdiness:

-You get 30mpg at normal cruising speed of 45mph.
-You get 12mpg at heavy acceleration, taking 5 seconds to reach 45mph.
-You get 18mpg at light acceleration, taking 12 seconds to reach 45mph.

Heavy acceleration would result in an average of 22.5 mpg over 12 seconds, compared to the 18 for light...