Do you use cruise control? - GreenHybrid

ericbecky · #1 (**permalink**) 03-13-2004, 09:09 PM

The Insight does not come with factory cruise control. (Why? Who knows?) So I have "dealer installed" cruise control in my car. But the reality is I rarely use it. I often feel like I can get better mileage if I do it myself, as opposed to leaving up to the computer. Do other hybrid owners use their cruise control on a regular basis? And how does it compare to a "real driver" when it comes to gas mileage?

Jason · #2 (**permalink**) 03-13-2004, 09:24 PM

I use cruise on the highways but not in suburban driving anymore. I use the Prius' energy flow cancellation (EFC) instead of cuise and get better mileage.

ericbecky · #3 (**permalink**) 03-14-2004, 08:12 AM

The one thing about the dealer installed cruise, is that when I go to set it, it usually sets a few miles and hour less than when I first press it. So I usually compensate and set it from a higher speed so that it will settle at the real speed I want it to be. Also there is a larger variation in the speed than I would normally like. Part of it may be the design of the car, but some of it may be from the unit itself.

Jason · #4 (**permalink**) 03-14-2004, 08:35 AM

That's odd. The Prius works very well, always at where you set it (unless you're accelerating when you press it -- then it's 1 up). It'll drop down 2mpg and then accelerate one you hit 3.

n2opj · #5 (**permalink**) 03-14-2004, 03:50 PM

I use cruise control maybe once or twice a week. A trip to work on a Saturday morning I used it sometimes on my monthly 90 drive I will use it if traffic permits. My son and I have driven various speeds to check MPG a steady 65 to 70 I averaged 50 MPG weather was 45 to 50 F This is a heck of a lot better than my LS400 at about 20 MPG same trip.

xcel · #6 (**permalink**) 03-15-2004, 12:13 AM

Hi Ericbecky:

___If the Insight were a CVT, cruise wouldn’t kill it that much but in a 5-speed, no way. The driving with load technique is probably worth 5 + mpg so that would be shot and the ability to move in and out of lean burn at will would disappear for much longer stretches meaning another possible 5 + mpg hit. I was very interested in Cruise when I first started researching the Insight but after reading from the many 5-speed Insight high mileage pros and driving it as much as I have in the last 3 months, it would be unacceptable given the loss in mileage …

___For those interested in high mileage, you can always use the throttle strap method for cruise. Your leg will not tire, you have complete control over the acceleration/deceleration, and it will cost you all of a few dollars to install. You now use your calf to control the accelerator and the strap is much more finite control then ones foot on the accelerator. I usually go shoeless when driving the Insight so I have even more accelerator feel myself.

___Good Luck

___Wayne R. Gerdes
___Hunt Club Farms Landscaping Ltd.
___Waynegerdes@earthlink.net

Jason · #7 (**permalink**) 03-15-2004, 07:03 AM

I have no idea what you've just said. Never drove a manual

Tell me, though -- isn't it a lot of work to be using two arms and two legs all the time?

xcel · #8 (**permalink**) 03-15-2004, 09:59 AM

Hi Jason:

___For the ability to receive 100 + mpg on the highway, I will take the stick. Around town, you have very finite control over rev’s although you are into the clutch at every stop and acceleration/deceleration which could overburden most. If I lived and drove in an inner city, I wouldn’t own one. Out on the highway and in the burbs, it makes complete sense given the large jump in mileage and the increased performance the 5-speed offers over and above that of the CVT. I shift ~ 4 times (5th to 4th to 3rd to 4th and back to 5th at one gated toll) over 85 miles of highway once I get on the tollway to when I get off the Interstate again if that helps. All except when I get caught in the afternoon traffic jams while on days and I don’t leave work on time. They can be killers here in the Chicago area

___Good Luck

___Wayne R. Gerdes
___Hunt Club Farms Landscaping Ltd.
___Waynegerdes@earthlink.net