I signed up the other day, and was wondering if "repair" applies to routine service such as oil changes, tire rotations, or spark plug replacement ....I assume not.
I very much like the mpg questions dealing with one's driving conditions (city, suburban, highway). I took a look at the Insight's mpg list with a focus on the driving conditions of those with the highest mpg. I made the interesting discovery that the top mpg are those who drive primarily (i.e. 90-100%) in either city or highway condition. No top mpg is reported for anyone who primarily drives suburban. Why would that be? Here are my thoughts.
1. The highway driver is a top mpg because higher tire pressures and smooth roads reduce rolling resistance. The least amount of gas is needed to maintain a given speed. The driver uses gravity in downgrades to accelerate and minimal and sensitive use of the gas pedal to obtain and maintain the most minimally practical highway speed in upgrades and all other driving conditions (see Jaynor196's video).
2. The city driver must be making making maximum use of the Insight's EV mode at speeds under 30 mph. Maximum and most effecient use of battery charging opportunities are used (because the battery capacity is relavtively low) to maximize opportunities to use EV mode. There is minimal use of the engine at speeds under about 15 mph (an unexpectedly low mpg driving condition).
3. The suburban driver must stop for traffic lights every 1,2, or 3 miles denying them the benefits of long runs of minimal gasoline use at a constant speed. Speeds vary from 35-50 mph minimizing opportunities for use of EV mode. These driving conditions create frequent opportunity for acceleration from 0-30+ mph, which seems to use (and require-due to traffic conditions) the most gasoline.
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2010 Insight EX-Nav Clear Sky Blue.
Driving the Blue Bird since May 30, 2009
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