Well, I have a higher max speed than 43, but if I'm in a series of traffic lights, I'm not going to do a 3/4s throttle acceleration to get to the next red light.
I don't try to draft off the car in front of me on the freeway. That way I'm not deep into the brakes when they slow for an acorn in their lane.
Speedy and smooth. I try to keep as much of the energy I have. Both my brakes and my fuel seem to last longer this way.
I consistently get about 10% better fuel economy than my wife, and go through a lot fewer windshields in my car. (I've had to replace one in my years of driving, due to a part flying off a vehicle, bouncing and getting my windshield.)
oilBabe gets at least one new windshield for every car she's had. We've already replaced on in her 2017 Rav4. We did one in her 2010 Altima and she needed one in the 2003 Camry, but never replaced it.
I guess I'd be more irritated if I took off from the light at warp speed and the guy who was accelerating, but not with gusto arrived at the next light where I was stopped and didn't have to stop. I.E. our actual distance covered per unit time was the same, but I spent time stopped at the light while the "slower" drive didn't even need to slow at the light as he timed his arrival for the green. I'd wonder why I rushed to get to a red light when he calmly drove to a green.
I save my acceleration for the twisties
suggested speeds should be doubled when possible on ramps and curves
Originally Posted by Cujet
Some people go so slow, or rather, drive so carefully, they actually do get better MPG's. They let off the gas 1/4 mile before the stop sign, don't use the AC, accelerate modestly and cruise no faster than 43MPH, which is often the best speed for economy in many modern vehicles.
If his MPG readings are anywhere near accurate, I suspect he is one of those people who knows how to maximize MPG. Often while irritating the others behind.
I highly suspect it's not his super efficient vehicles.