Reader comments
Some stories on saving gas are just myths
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Thomas | 8:14 a.m. June 10, 2008
And, if we drive slower, we save gas. The wind resistance on a car increases
exponentially for every one mile increase in speed and the engine has to use
fuel to overcome this resistance. You will use less fuel at 60 mph on the
freeway than at 70. If you want to save on gas, take it easy on the pedal.
Air Conditioning Myth | 8:59 a.m. June 10, 2008
It is true about more efficient air condition systems in newer cars. I checked
the RPM while idling and running at various speeds and then turned the AC on an
off. It made no difference to my RPM's, hence no difference to my fuel
economy.
rattler | 9:01 a.m. June 10, 2008
I'm going to second Thomas' comments. I have been hypermiling (look it
up on the Internet) for the past couple weeks. I increased my mpg by about 7,
going from 32 to 39. That's over 20%. I hardly ever drive faster than the
speed limit and in heavy traffic, I keep a distance between me and the car ahead
so I don't have to slam on my brakes every minute. I still average about
the same as everyone else, I just don't waste the built-up energy when I
coast up to the slower traffic. IT WORKS. Join US in the fight against Big Oil!
Comments continue below
Zippy | 9:47 a.m. June 10, 2008
Sure you guys are saving on fuel efficiency, but you're a loser if
you're not the first one to the next red light!
to Rattler, from G | 9:49 a.m. June 10, 2008
Its not Big Oil we should be fighting, its the wacko environmentalists and the
US Senate that won't let the US become energy independent by drilling and
producing our own oil. Can you believe that there hasn't been a single
refinery built in the US in 30 years? We have more than enough oil reserves in
the US to meet our needs for a long time without being dependent on the Saudis,
the Iraqis, the Venezuelians or any of the other nut-case nations out there. Oil
can be drilled and refined with a minimum, reversible environmental impact.
Time for US to be strong | 10:31 a.m. June 10, 2008
I agree with G above. How many of you have written to your senator or house rep
to let them know your opinion? Your writing in the comments section doesn't
get you heard in Washington. Tell your representatives in government that you
want them to make the US oil/energy independent.
I got a letter back from Senator Hatch and was impressed with his strong stand on oil/energy independence. I don't like some of his other stands or his making politics a lifelong career, but now I know where he stands on oil.
Take action.
I got a letter back from Senator Hatch and was impressed with his strong stand on oil/energy independence. I don't like some of his other stands or his making politics a lifelong career, but now I know where he stands on oil.
Take action.
rattler | 11:15 a.m. June 10, 2008
I realize there are many more complex reasons why gas costs so much now,
however, I personally am adjusting my driving habits to save money. I will get 5
tanks of gas for the price of 4. If everyone did that, the demand would
decrease, supply would increase and the cost of gas would go down. I am
realistic enough to know that not everyone will change their habits like I have.
Just want to promote another option.
10 years ago I lost 45 lbs by changing my eating and exercising habits. Everyone wanted to know how I did it, but nobody was willing to do it. I expect the same reception to the idea of hypermiling, but I have to promote the idea.
10 years ago I lost 45 lbs by changing my eating and exercising habits. Everyone wanted to know how I did it, but nobody was willing to do it. I expect the same reception to the idea of hypermiling, but I have to promote the idea.
wrz | 11:26 a.m. June 10, 2008
Saving fuel is not solving the problem. The less fuel we use the less is put on
the market. OPEC and other producers adjust the supply to optimize profits.
I understand that, right now it costs the Saudis about $2 to pump a barrel of oil... which they sell for $130. In a few years they will have enough (of our) money to buy the US, lock, stock, and barrel. Can you speak Arabic or Farsi?
I understand that, right now it costs the Saudis about $2 to pump a barrel of oil... which they sell for $130. In a few years they will have enough (of our) money to buy the US, lock, stock, and barrel. Can you speak Arabic or Farsi?
wrz | 11:35 a.m. June 10, 2008
"I got a letter back from Senator Hatch and was impressed with his strong
stand on oil/energy independence."
That's nice. But a "strong stand" is almost worthless. We need action now. Has Hatch introduced bills that would free up oil drilling in ANWR and coastal waters? Or to increase nuclear power? Or take tariffs off Brazilian cane sugar ethanol imports. I can't see where he has.
That's nice. But a "strong stand" is almost worthless. We need action now. Has Hatch introduced bills that would free up oil drilling in ANWR and coastal waters? Or to increase nuclear power? Or take tariffs off Brazilian cane sugar ethanol imports. I can't see where he has.
John Reynolds | 12:16 p.m. June 10, 2008
Since I now travel the freeway with the cruise control set at 55, my MPG went
from 35 to 44 MPG with my Corolla !!!
Stewart | 12:34 p.m. June 10, 2008
Neither conservation or increase production will save us in the long run. We
will need to switch not to the hybrids of today but the plug-in series hybrids
that are capable of 30-40 miles on electricity alone, and the range is extended
with a small internal combustion engine connected to a generator. Of course the
electricity and power grid would need huge expansion, and nuclear power would be
the only source able to meet that much of an increase requirement for
electricity.
Of course the "buggy whip makers" would not like this because there would also be huge changes as our economy adjusted, just as it did a century ago when ICE automobiles took over from steam and horses. This type of vehicle would also require much less maintenance. However, rather than change we would rather die a slow death from a thousand cuts.
Of course the "buggy whip makers" would not like this because there would also be huge changes as our economy adjusted, just as it did a century ago when ICE automobiles took over from steam and horses. This type of vehicle would also require much less maintenance. However, rather than change we would rather die a slow death from a thousand cuts.
Brother Chuck Schroeder | 1:33 p.m. June 10, 2008
To drive slower, less wind resistance, turn off the air condition, fill tires to
32 lbs for true fuel economy, using more ethanol imports are great "sounds
good / feels good" ideas, however, YOU tell me right now, how can we
stretch these gas dollars, when the alcohol added to the fuel (aka moonshine /
corn liquor) at 10% per gallon, in the heat of the day, evaporates into the air,
and you lose that much fuel while standing still, and, in the winter months,
it'll sweat, adding water to your fuel, and, as we all know, water is the
only substance on earth that one can't compress. I would like to know. Got
any truthful answer's?.
Speed doesn't always matter | 2:12 p.m. June 10, 2008
I have a late-model Honda Accord (4-cyl) and I get no noticeable difference when
driving a max of 75 from a max of 80. And, even when cruising at 80 on the
freeway, I've gotten mileage over 30 mpg with regular unleaded for the last
couple months. That is significantly higher than the dealer mileage specified.
Too Fast | 4:03 p.m. June 10, 2008
Speed doesn't always matter,
Try 55 or 65. Air resistance goes up as the square of the increase. You are already pushing a lot of air at 75. 80 isn't much different.
I get better mileage than you in an 80s vintage Camry.
Try 55 or 65. Air resistance goes up as the square of the increase. You are already pushing a lot of air at 75. 80 isn't much different.
I get better mileage than you in an 80s vintage Camry.
CR | 10:48 p.m. June 10, 2008
Do you save gas if you speed up in a head wind? In an aircraft you use less gas
if you speed up in a head wind and slow down if you have a tail wind.
Re: Too Fast | 1:55 p.m. June 11, 2008
From a mathematical standpoint, the energy needed to go from 75->80 would be
much more than 55->60, so my 75-80 is actually a good test. And congrats on
your Camry - I drive lots of hills and city streets, but I've beaten 32 on
the highway with my accord.
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