MPG from 51 to 82 with one simple mod

[areg]

I commute to work 46 miles each way daily at 70 - 80 mph lead foot issues...my mpg was always around 51 mpg so I decided to let off the gas and drive 55 the whole way in 5th and my mpg went up to 82 for a one way trip to work. I really need to install the cruise control I bought last year.
I bought the car with 112K miles used its an 2000 and I just accepted the fact its an older car 50 mpg was good enough, but I never new it would do 82 pretty crazy.

Areg

[Fred]

... so I decided to let off the gas ...
Areg

Aside from the "big" engine, slowing down IS the "big" secret behind the rather good MPG/KPL which these little cars can offer their drivers..

Also, as an old volunteer ambulance corps member, you might want to keep in mind that - speeding and bleeding have a lot more in comon than simple phonetics.

Fred / Proud Owner of "The Silver Bullet"

[ElectricTroy]

Also:

Don't use the brake. Plan ahead so you don't need to use the brake-gas-brake-gas metholodogy of most drivers.

[Insightful Trekker]

Reminds me of an official road sign that the state of Virginia used back in the 70's:

"Everyone in favor of saving gas raise your right foot."

[Fred]

[quote="Insightful Trekker"]
"Everyone in favor of saving gas raise your right foot."[
/quote]

Good One! :-)

Fred (Proud Owner of "The Silver Bullet")

[JakkedUp]

My boss just got through saying to me, that he doesn't really believe I'm getting over 80mpg every day driving to/from work. But it's just like you said, there can be huge gains when you drive modestly. No more bumper riding, no more racing, and heck, I even feel better physically, due to less stress.

[Fred]

... But it's just like you said, there can be huge gains when you drive modestly.

In addition to the safety factor(s) from slower speeds, there's the outright enjoyment of going around in these little cars, and they are fun to drive.

Fred / Proud Owner of "The Silver Bullet"

[nemystic]

areg,

In an effort to understand your modification, I re-read your posted message and came to the conclusion that the "modification" was in driver behavior.
This modification can result in big fuel economy improvements in almost any vehicle (not quite so dramatic without the lean burn feature, though).

There's an ubiquitous disregard for posted speed limits in the USA.

In an effort to advertise the benefits of rational driving behavior, I have a window sticker in the left rear window that reads:

55 MPG AT 80 MPH
80 MPG AT 55 MPH

Unfortunately, it seems as though no one passing slows down enough to read it.

[Jared72886]

[mod edit: removed entire quote in immediate reply. Please review the rules, specifically #12]

How true. I usually cruise at 55mph on the parkway. Mind you the speed limit is in fact 55mph, but I feel like I'm parked with how fast other people drive.

[Fred]

... I feel like I'm parked with how fast other people drive.

If you feel depressed when those "fast runners" zip by you, consider for a moment the MPG you're getting when they do. Then consider what they're getting as they quickly disappear - safely and far away from you.

... ever see what happens to a car when the tire blows out at sixty or seventy miles per hour or when the speeder hits a deer or a dog the size of a German Shepherd or the like at those speeds? It happens more often than most suspect and it's not a pretty sight.

Fred / Proud Owner of "The Silver Bullet"