that's why I always try to follow the tracks of the car in front, when it's raining.
Slow Down a Little, Save a Lot of Gas
- Thread starter Cory
- Start date
- Status
I'm surprised not to see what I have noted consistently the past ten or more years since the speed limit on limited access Interstates was raised: The morons traveling in packs at 70-plus. By traveling just below the limit, usually 67-68 I can keep the right lane ahead of me clear for long distances, AND, by noting the moron pack coming up on me I can drop off the cruise for a short distance and get them around me faster.
This is especially useful when towing my travel trailer (at about 63 mph) as:
I have a great deal more maneuvering room
I am not stressed by tailgating or tailgaters
I have more time to react
My fuel mileage is increased
The wear and tear on my vehicle is reduced as I am in "steady state" pretty much the entire trip
And, most importantly,
I arrive rested, I have given room for age, fatigue and being distracted; that is, I have tried to establish habits which are good for economy of ownership.
On a 300-mile trip the difference is less than 1/2-hour. I suspect most the posts above are in reference to trips of 50 miles or less.
The proof, as noted in a post above, is in the overall economy of operation. And, I would add, the margin of safety outweighs it. Habits which depend on an ideal car on an ideal road under ideal conditions are ones that will fail us if fatigued, distracted by an emotional state, weather, etc.
The fuel economy difference between 65 and 75 in my truck is that I fall below 20 mpg. The difference is greater than 15%.
This is especially useful when towing my travel trailer (at about 63 mph) as:
I have a great deal more maneuvering room
I am not stressed by tailgating or tailgaters
I have more time to react
My fuel mileage is increased
The wear and tear on my vehicle is reduced as I am in "steady state" pretty much the entire trip
And, most importantly,
I arrive rested, I have given room for age, fatigue and being distracted; that is, I have tried to establish habits which are good for economy of ownership.
On a 300-mile trip the difference is less than 1/2-hour. I suspect most the posts above are in reference to trips of 50 miles or less.
The proof, as noted in a post above, is in the overall economy of operation. And, I would add, the margin of safety outweighs it. Habits which depend on an ideal car on an ideal road under ideal conditions are ones that will fail us if fatigued, distracted by an emotional state, weather, etc.
The fuel economy difference between 65 and 75 in my truck is that I fall below 20 mpg. The difference is greater than 15%.
Originally Posted By: TheTanSedan
I have a great deal more maneuvering room
I am not stressed by tailgating or tailgaters
I have more time to react
My fuel mileage is increased
The wear and tear on my vehicle is reduced as I am in "steady state" pretty much the entire trip
I would add, the margin of safety outweighs it.
I'm right with you here.
I have a great deal more maneuvering room
I am not stressed by tailgating or tailgaters
I have more time to react
My fuel mileage is increased
The wear and tear on my vehicle is reduced as I am in "steady state" pretty much the entire trip
I would add, the margin of safety outweighs it.
I'm right with you here.
Last edited:
Yup. You got it right.
- Status
