Same here. I stay between 90% of the speed limit and the speed limit. Learn to enjoy the right lane, and look for truckers to hang out behind or next to! Oh yeah- let gravity do the work downhill- put her in neutral (or FAS if you feel ok with it)

It takes almost 2x as much energy to go 70mph as 50mph.

 

While there is 1.96X more air resistance, that is not the sum total of energy expenditure, so MPG certainly takes a hit, but not 2x.

 

Hi Dan:

___There are some excellent responses here. Besides the 4 types of drafts available, add to it DWL as this is a very nice fuel economy booster all on its own for all-hybrids and non-hybrids alike. The ability to combine any number of techniques at any given instant is where the real big numbers come from. If it is very cold (< 20 degrees F), you may have to go to heroic efforts just to meet EPA in some cases

___Never drive naked at > 60 mph, never chase a draft, never accelerate up a hill, take advantage of the traffic around you, learn/practice/use all the tools when applicable, setup your automobile for excellent FE albeit city or highway, and the most important item of all is have patience! The pay off will be at the pump at each and every fill.

___Good Luck

___Wayne R. Gerdes
___Waynegerdes@earthlink.net

 

God point. But its a good 'conversation starter' to get others to think about speed vs energy.

Xcel-
while on topic, could you post some details of each type of draft for all to understand? I use close and surf, but don't know what the dynamics of traffic side or far are.