On Sun, 19 Dec 2004 17:03:00 GMT, "Jim Warman"
> wrote:

>I think you may see larger gains in the 55 mph range as well as using your
>gentle throttle technique. The Ex has the drag coefficient of a shapely
>brick and the power required to move the wind out of the way increases
>exponentially with speed.
>
>Whenever we set out to check our fuel consumption, we are setting ourselves
>up for a disappointment. The EPA rating on the showroom sticker has little
>to do with what we will realize in real world driving - it is simply a
>measure taken in closely controlled circumstances (dynamometer, air temp,
>etc.) so that we can compare to other vehicles. Even though our gas prices
>have been over 80 cents per litre (over $3 per US gallon), fuel consumption
>is the very last thing on my mind when selecting a vehicle. This shows in my
>preference for full sized, 4WD pick-ups.
>
>Others will view gas mileage with varying degrees of importance, though I
>admit to being amused by those suffering "pump island shock" after moving up
>from an econo-box. If we have no identifiable running concerns - and - if
>the CEL works but is not illuminated - and - if we have no external fuel
>leaks - and - if the evaporative emissions system hasn't been breached, we
>are very likely getting the best fuel mileage we can (dictated by our
>driving style, of course).
>
>Extended idling is one of the biggest fuel mileage killers..... stopping
>down the block to talk to a neighbour..... sitting in a running car waiting
>for our blushing brides to come out of the store with a quart of milk and a
>six pack..... letting the defroster take care of that morning frost instead
>of scraping..... I'm reminded of a cusomer from many years ago.... In the
>dead of winter he was dis-satisfied with his gas mileage.... looking out the
>window, his truck is running with the heater on full blast. I told him it
>was "the weather". Come summer, he once again complained about his
>mileage... looking out the window, I see his truck running with the AC on
>full blast. Maintaining ones vehicle properly helps in the fuel mileage
>wars, but nothing will make the same difference as losing old habits.
>
>In the meantime, the manufacturers are busy trying to perfect both the
>hybrid and the CVT transmission. Both are a unique driving experience but
>neither is suitable for my lifestyle and/or demographics.
>
>Bottom line..... if we drive the kind of vehicle we want/need to drive, we
>shall have to pay the piper. If fuels costs have us tossing and turning at
>night, we should use public transit. My best suggestion is to put down the
>pad and pencil, turn off the calculator and simply enjoy driving our chosen
>rides....
>
>
>, visualize using your turn signal"
>

"Never mind world peace, visualize using your turn signal"