B gear? Do you use it?
#3
Re: B gear? Do you use it?
I live in WV and with all the hills that we have I've yet to find one that I can use the B mode on. It over does it on the grades we have. You either have to shift out of B mode or accellerate in just a few seconds.
#4
Re: B gear? Do you use it?
On long down hill grades I use B mode and set the cruise control. Just remember to shift back to D at the bottom of the grade. Of course the ICE noise from the high rpms will remind you after a short time, should you forget.
I find if I just coast in B, I loose too much speed on all but the steepest grades. I can use the gas pedal to moderate the effect of B, but prefer to set the cruise if traffic is light.
Sometimes in rush hour traffic, I also use B mode while the car is coasting down grades in EV mode (speeds < 18 mph or the ICE starts) and can avoid riding the brakes. I think it is safer as folks behind me see my brake lights when I do have to slow down, instead of seeing them all the way down the grade.
I find if I just coast in B, I loose too much speed on all but the steepest grades. I can use the gas pedal to moderate the effect of B, but prefer to set the cruise if traffic is light.
Sometimes in rush hour traffic, I also use B mode while the car is coasting down grades in EV mode (speeds < 18 mph or the ICE starts) and can avoid riding the brakes. I think it is safer as folks behind me see my brake lights when I do have to slow down, instead of seeing them all the way down the grade.
#5
Re: B gear? Do you use it?
On long down hill grades I use B mode and set the cruise control. Just remember to shift back to D at the bottom of the grade. Of course the ICE noise from the high rpms will remind you after a short time, should you forget.
I find if I just coast in B, I loose too much speed on all but the steepest grades. I can use the gas pedal to moderate the effect of B, but prefer to set the cruise if traffic is light.
I find if I just coast in B, I loose too much speed on all but the steepest grades. I can use the gas pedal to moderate the effect of B, but prefer to set the cruise if traffic is light.
I believe you may have erred about using "B mode" AND cruise control. Unfortunately, in the TCH, using B mode disables cruise control. (At least on my Japan-built TCH.)
#6
Re: B gear? Do you use it?
I occasionally use the "B" gear, as part of my daily commute takes me over the Blue Ridge Mountains. Usually, though, I just lightly press the regular brake, calling the trip down the mountain "Regeneration Run." : )
#7
Re: B gear? Do you use it?
Ops! You are right! I forgot it does that. I'm not sure if I'm remembering how the FEH works, or just flat out got it wrong.
#10
Re: B gear? Do you use it?
I've used it a couple of times, but I just prefer to coast down the hills and hope I don't get a ticket! I have a few great hills that make my MPG skyrocket when I coast, too bad I have to drive back home and ruin it all.
Mark
Mark
Last edited by marklw47; 04-06-2007 at 09:53 AM. Reason: upgrade my English