Originally Posted By: L_Sludger
...I agree with you in that I disagree with the lengths that he goes to to attain those impressive MPG numbers. However, we can all learn something from what he does - whether it involves keeping your tires properly inflated, turning off the motor at long stop lights, using a Scangauge to maximize the time in the engine's most economical range, and so on.
That's an excellent point. I do, in fact, put
some of his practices to use myself, SOME times, in moderation, and with the idea that SAFETY and not imposing upon others are also critical concerns.
I actually do use a ScanGauge myself -- it's a fantastic tool, actually and especially in the HSD cars that do not come with tachometers. I'm convinced that Toyota/Lex replaced the tach with the mileage gauage because many less experienced drivers simply could not tolerate watching the cars' unusual rpm response. But with the SG, I can carefully limit the rpms to the most efficient range (when I feel like it
).
And the HSD cars themselves do the shut off thing all by themselves. I actually now find my wife's very smooth Avalon annoying at stoplights -- because the engine just keeps idling on, burning gas and going nowhere. I LOVE how my car shuts itself off when you're stuck in traffic or at a red light.
I wonder if Wayne was shutting off the diesel at every stoplight?