Unique New Problem - I can't go faster - GreenHybrid

kenny · #1 (**permalink**) 07-28-2007, 10:00 PM

I've been working to improve my MPG for almost four years now.

You may recall that a few weeks ago I brought my top speed down to 48 MPH and squeezed 71.65 MPG out of my best tank of gas ever.
I was only shooting for 70 and realized this was an all-time record for me (and perhaps anyone in this car.)

71.65 MPG was great but it was a lot of hassle.
I'll feel safer if I go faster.
I had intended to speed up to 53 MPH for the tank I just finished.
But I just can't seem to do it.
Yesterday I filled up and got 71.2 MPG for this tank.

I just thought it was funny how hypermilers are all trying to get better MPG, and I'm finally willing to speed up and forfeit MPG - but I can't bring myself to do it.

It is really hard to change all my miserly habits.
It seems so wasteful to go faster.
But I'll try.

Maybe I'll even splurge and use some AC.
As long as the tank is 64.1 MPG or better I won't hurt my lifetime average.

giantquesadilla · #2 (**permalink**) 07-29-2007, 06:56 PM

When i 1st got my HCHII i just drove it like a reg car. Once I started driving slower (60-70 is "slower" where I live), I too can't go faster. I know the feeling. I only get 45 mpg, but that's better than most people and I don't want to give it up because i need/want to get somewhere 5 min earlier.

spartybrutus · #3 (**permalink**) 07-29-2007, 07:15 PM

Kenny,

Please go the other way - I want to see you do 80mpg at 40mph!

mmrmnhrm · #4 (**permalink**) 07-29-2007, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spartybrutus

Kenny,

Please go the other way - I want to see you do 80mpg at 40mph!

Please don't encourage him, I'm having a hard enough time just getting close to his lifetime average as it is, and cold weather doesn't help!

kenny, did you remember to take out the Super Secret LEGO Acceleration Inhibitor (prototype) behind the gas pedal?

kenny · #5 (**permalink**) 07-29-2007, 10:04 PM

Sorry I didn't get the Lego option. Too expensive.

You will be pleased to know I drove 60 MPH tonight.
I was late to a piano party.
I don't mind being late for work, but don't want to miss a minute of piano fun.
It felt so freaky to go so fast.
There was even a moment when I passed a car on my left.

I think my tank is now at 61 MPG - but there are only about 70 miles on it.
I'll be pushing my car to work tomorrow.

I'm such a wascal.
I feel so ashamed.

Hail Mary . . . full of grace . . .

livvie · #6 (**permalink**) 07-30-2007, 07:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenny

I've been working to improve my MPG for almost four years now.

You may recall that a few weeks ago I brought my top speed down to 48 MPH and squeezed 71.65 MPG out of my best tank of gas ever.
I was only shooting for 70 and realized this was an all-time record for me (and perhaps anyone in this car.)

71.65 MPG was great but it was a lot of hassle.
I'll feel safer if I go faster.
I had intended to speed up to 53 MPH for the tank I just finished.
But I just can't seem to do it.
Yesterday I filled up and got 71.2 MPG for this tank.

I just thought it was funny how hypermilers are all trying to get better MPG, and I'm finally willing to speed up and forfeit MPG - but I can't bring myself to do it.

It is really hard to change all my miserly habits.
It seems so wasteful to go faster.
But I'll try.

Maybe I'll even splurge and use some AC.
As long as the tank is 64.1 MPG or better I won't hurt my lifetime average.

Seeing that you are not driving the car as anybody else would. Why not go through the trouble of removing the AC unit all together. While at it, why not remove the spare tire, the passenger seat, and the rear seat. Weight is your main enemy anyway. That way, you can speed up and still maintain your average.

Anahymbrid · #7 (**permalink**) 07-31-2007, 02:28 PM

Life is full of compromise! Speed and A/C vs. MPG. Actually, I've recently found a way to go faster and keep MPG up.

This summer I decided to try speeding up a few MPH (from high 50's to mid 60's) and use A/C once in a while. I felt that as long as I didn't fall below 50 on a tank, I'd be happy... but to my surprise, I've managed to keep each tank at or above my average of 52.

I've done this through the use of special "Kenny days"... Once or twice a week I'll slow down to low 50's. This makes up for the faster days and it keeps everything in balance!

mmrmnhrm · #8 (**permalink**) 07-31-2007, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anahymbrid

I've done this through the use of special "Kenny days"

Is Kennyday anything like Caturday?

(Always) · #9 (**permalink**) 08-03-2007, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mmrmnhrm

Is Kennyday anything like Caturday?

OMG INVISIBLE HCH