Re: Top 10 Ranking of FE Killers
Here's my take, some have already touched on these.
My opinion is based as a hypermiler, not 99.999999 of other drivers:
1 - Air Conditioner on
Isn't too bad of FE hit if pulsed. That is if only on while either slowing down or going downhill. A big taboo to drag the compressor while accelerating or climbing a hill. This is where even the "Auto" feature isn't very good.
When the family is along I pulse when neccessary, even in 97 degree 98% humidity. Still takes a hit but not nearly as bad as just "on" or "Auto".
(I'm not sure how the new hybrid-electric compressor behaves though.)
2 - Cruise control use
Almost useless for an extreme hypermiler. The only use I find is briefly to keep the car going while I remove my Right shoe.
WAY too much exessive battery use in hilly regions.
3 - Full tank vs. half tank of gas
More accurate measure is from full to empty. I couldn't go the distance on half a tank.
4 - Hills
Not too bad a hit if one knows how to handle them. (DWL) The exception is finding yourself slow/stopped at the base of a hill or worse gridlock stop-n-go traffic on a steep mile(s) uphill.
10 -Wind Resistance
This can usually be brought into control by adjusting speed or take different routes.
(In a head/x-wind better to take it easy a tree-lined highway rather than naked out on a fast-paced freeway)
11 - Other careless driver who use your car(Not mentioned)
I keep her car gassed up, clean and as convenient as possible so she leaves mine alone!
Efficient drivers do it better.
1003 miles a tank personal record. 74MPG calculated. HCH1 CVT
Last edited by Hot_Georgia_2004; 07-02-2006 at 01:06 AM.
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