are you willing to drive slower to get better mileage ?

vibebob · Post by **vibebob** » Sun Apr 20, 2008 11:07 pm

I'm as old as dirt and remember the gas shortage in the 70's and the gov dropped the speed limit to 55 to help improve gas mileage, so ....are you willing, self-initiated, to drive a bit slower to improve your fuel mileage ? I'm talking like maybe 5 mph or so. I do and don't use the a/c when driving slow (There is a financial advisor on the local rock station, he said don't be surprised by $5.00 a gallon gas next year. that wasn't a typo FIVE dollar a gallon gas. ouch

lovemyraffe · Post by **lovemyraffe** » Sun Apr 20, 2008 11:12 pm

I drive much slower than I used to with gas prices the way they are. I don't use the a/c whenever possible. I don't think that the government will lower the speed limit again. In Utah they are trying to raise the speed limit to 80 in certain areas on the freeways.

Daox · Post by **Daox** » Sun Apr 20, 2008 11:16 pm

I already do this as well. I rarely exceed the speed limit. Its not reflected in my Matrix's sig pic (the wife drives the Matrix), but you sure can tell in my Paseo's gas mileage (50 mpg now that its getting warmer). I seem to notice people slowing down since gas has been on the crazy rise in the past few years. They say $4/gal this year and I too have heard $5/gal next year.

northvibe · Post by **northvibe** » Sun Apr 20, 2008 11:26 pm

as of right now with the ms3....no. I accelerate fast to the speed limit and cruise at a reasonable limit on the hwy, have my times of "fast" but I can get 30-32 on the hwy which is most of my driving so as of right now I'm not to worried, i also think it helps that im single and living with roommates so i can afford such things

Kamikaze · Post by **Kamikaze** » Sun Apr 20, 2008 11:26 pm

Interesting topic... I was just discussing this over the weekend... I drove down to the cities (70mph zone) and I did 65mph (stayed in the right lane) and got probably 3-4mpg better than at 70...

northvibe · Post by **northvibe** » Sun Apr 20, 2008 11:33 pm

Quote, originally posted by Kamikaze Â»Interesting topic... I was just discussing this over the weekend... I drove down to the cities (70mph zone) and I did 65mph (stayed in the right lane) and got probably 3-4mpg better than at 70...I was in a competition with my getting best mpg, my vibe vs my moms v6 3500 malibu. He got 40mpg, I got like 37 but that was going I think 70 to the twin cities. Yeah I think if I went 65 I could of got much higher but.....I have deadlines to keep I wonder what I would get in the ms3... If I have a passenger in the car I can slow it down, but if its just me i get bored on 35w so I have to do something to stay awake

jake75 · Post by **jake75** » Sun Apr 20, 2008 11:50 pm

About the only sustained highway driving I do where the entire tanks of gas are used for such is in my SWB T&C Van, 3.3L V-6. At 70mph I get about 24.5mpg. The EPA rating (back when those numbers were supposedly very optimistic) is 26mpg. Dropping that to 60mph adds about 1.5 hour of driving time to my 615 mil trip. IF I would get 2 more mpg at 60mph, that is a difference of 1.9gal of gas. Most of us probably would prefer to spend another $6 on gas than spend another 1.5 hours in the car. Also - at 60mph I would run the risk of getting rear ended. At 70mph half the traffic is still passing me.I probably save most of that 1.9gal by taking a 35 mile shorter route that is not all Interstate. (Cols, OH to Wilm, NC via Rt 33 to I-77 rather than I-70 to I-77).

Kamikaze · Post by **Kamikaze** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 12:29 am

you also do need to remember that is just you... if EVERYONE on the road was doing the same, and getting the extra 2mpg and saving $5 a tank..just take 1,000 cars... that's $5,000 less gas per 1000 cars...Could that change the demand and keep the prices where they are and not make it keep going up? I don't know... which basically brings us back to... if we changed the speed limits back down... even though it's going to take you longer to get to your destination... are you going to pay less for your gas? what about commercial trucking.. if they did the same thing, would that mean that our produce cost could then go down?

Vivid_Art · Post by **Vivid_Art** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 12:31 am

HA, no...I drove down to visit my GF at U of I (3hr drive) and I was going 90mph probably 85% of the time, no joke. I think the speed limit was 65, but around town yeah I try my best to not drive like a ******* and keep from revving above 3k which is really damn hard.

Mavrik · Post by **Mavrik** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 12:31 am

pure and simple... NOPE.

ToolGuy · Post by **ToolGuy** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 12:36 am

I do not drive slower necessarily but my foot presses the gas pedal with a lot less pressure thus no fast starts. It works too! My wife drives the Vibe the same way. I laugh at all the trucks and SUVs that stomp the accelerator when the light turns green and drop $100 bills at the pump. These prices are just stupidly high! Fortunately I have another car to go fast in and do not drive it daily so I do not fill it up weekly. But when I cruise it in 6th gear, it gets in the high 20's MPG wise.

KNINE · Post by **KNINE** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 12:59 am

The new $5.00 bill.

Attached files

Whelan · Post by **Whelan** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 1:43 am

I have been driving slower lately. I still will do 80 on the highway as long as its open road and consistent. Otherwise I just flow with traffic and don't push the car.I also finally installed the S/C intake tube and the car is noticeably smoother with acceleration, maybe a small gain due to airflow being better. But my mileage has already gone up this tank, I used to hit 1/2 by 130 miles. Right now I was at 145 at the 1/2 mark. I am currently at 1/4 with 210. I usually get the light at 230 miles. So next tank I will reall see what the new mileage is as I have been pulling around 236 on avg.

coldmm803 · Post by **coldmm803** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 2:52 am

i'm 50/50 on the situation, i'm trying to be a little lighter on the accel when commuting but i like the sound of these engines so much its hard. i'm not changing my highway speed, my highway trips are between college and home and speed limits are 55 or 65 and most of traffic is going 70 so i keep it 68-70 too. i laugh at the packs of people doing 75 or 80+ especially since they're mainly SUV's and trucks

futureviber · Post by **futureviber** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 2:53 am

What really sucks... Oil companies are still making billions! Like they need it! ::rolls eyes::I usually get 300miles/tank. Much better than what i got in past cars.I have been hearing 4.00 by Memorial Day. Someone elase also told me 5.00 by Memorial day. It's been 3.48 around here for a few weeks.I have been trying to slow down a bit. Also have been careful accelerating trying not to punch the gas. At one fo the stoplights in my town the speedlimit is 45 then go down a hill and its 35 then 25... I dont speed up to 45 anymore... just coast down the hill and dont accelerate too much.Our interstates are posted 70 mph around here. Going 75 im being passed... by Semi's (they are posted 65 mph) But since gas has gone up i tend to try adn stay close to 70.

Kamikaze · Post by **Kamikaze** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 2:59 am

Quote, originally posted by ToolGuy Â»Fortunately I have another car to go fast in and do not drive it daily so I do not fill it up weekly. But when I cruise it in 6th gear, it gets in the high 20's MPG wise. +1 on the go fast vehicle... that's why I have my bike.

ramenboy... · Post by **ramenboy...** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 3:06 am

out of necessity, i'm driving slower on the highway. here in illinois, there's massive reconstruction on I94, so the speed limit has been lowered to 45mph. its a pain in the (removed), but a couple weeks ago, i got a resepctable 31mpg. this past weekend, i filled up again, 32mpg.great gas mileage. but boy, it takes a loooooooong time to get where i'm goin.

scott_h · Post by **scott_h** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 3:21 am

For the most part, I rarely drive more the 3-4 over the speed limit, so I'm not going to slow down any further.

Whelan · Post by **Whelan** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 4:31 am

I can find fuel here for $3.62, but typically most places are $3.65 in my area of CT. Down by my office it's now in the $3.75 range for 87. Closer you get to NY the more expensive it gets, yet cross the GW to Jersey and it crashes to $3.25.

zionzr2 · Post by **zionzr2** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 5:13 am

I drive slower and have for the last several years.

4X4CHICHI · Post by **4X4CHICHI** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 5:15 am

Slower?

WaveAction · Post by **WaveAction** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 5:45 am

i dont drive slower as in the limit..i do take it easy when shifting and not getting up to 4-5k before shifting..i shift at 2500 or 3k at the most now and cruise in 5th gear(if it's 60km/h or more)

renate · Post by **renate** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 6:52 am

Thats why I traded my 2006 G6 V6 in for my Vibe.I'm just going to take it easy,and forget about the passing lane.

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 7:11 am

I try to drive 4-5 MPH below the speed limit most of the time. Gas isn't getting any cheaper, and I've seen how making adjustments to your driving style can truly make a difference. I've had the ScanGauge out of my car for a while, I may have to throw it back in tonight.

random · Post by **random** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 8:14 am

After reading this thread, I may try to see if keeping mine at sixty-five does help. I am not a fast driver but this Vibe can easily climb up quick over seventy.This past Friday I filled up at 2.85 a gallon, not bad considering what it is here 3.44. Never did I think I would cross over to Mexico to fill but I may start, normally it use to be Mexico crossing to the US for cheaper gas.

jimincalif · Post by **jimincalif** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 8:23 am

Just so long as the govt doesn't mandate the old double nickel again, that sucked, came into law just before I got my license in the 70s and lasted for over 20 years. And I don't think it saved any gas as it was routinely ignored anyway. Got my only speeding ticket in 1975 on I-10 in the desert near Palm Springs for going 70 in my father's 72 Dodge Challenger. Of course before the double-nickel the posted limit on that section of road was 70.If people want to slow down to save gas, that is their right and I am all for it. Just STAY TO THE RIGHT, please!

harryyiii · Post by **harryyiii** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 8:38 am

Quoting Sammy Hagar," I can't drive...FIFTY FIVE"

VivaVibe · Post by **VivaVibe** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 8:56 am

I generally drive the speed limit. Sometimes 5 over or 5 under, as traffic flow dictates. Lately, I've also taken to not going via the interstate unless it's a really long trip. I like to find alternate routes that have fewer stops and slower speeds. That automatically makes for slower driving. And, it makes for a more pleasant drive. I don't think the maximum speed limit should be lowered; the folks that ignore it now will do so regardless.

coldmm803 · Post by **coldmm803** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 10:57 am

i think that the speed limits should be lowered in some states, i know some of you have limits of 70+, 70 is fine if the traffic actually goes that but more than that is just wasting gas so in those areas there whould be reason to lower the speed limit and for it to be enforced. there are several articles around that say that every 10mph over 65 (iirc) your adding 10 cents per gallon of gas

tribalman · Post by **tribalman** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 8:23 pm

Quote, originally posted by jimincalif Â»Just so long as the govt doesn't mandate the old double nickel again, that sucked, came into law just before I got my license in the 70s and lasted for over 20 years. And I don't think it saved any gas as it was routinely ignored anyway. Got my only speeding ticket in 1975 on I-10 in the desert near Palm Springs for going 70 in my father's 72 Dodge Challenger. Of course before the double-nickel the posted limit on that section of road was 70.If people want to slow down to save gas, that is their right and I am all for it. Just STAY TO THE RIGHT, please!never heard of a "double nickel". what is it?and for slowing down? can't go much slower than stop and go traffic at rush hour. XDbut no. on the way home from school, speed limit is 55, i'm usually going 65-70. 12 miles from home and i need to be at work in 30 minutes, 4 miles past me. during all seasons except for winter i get ~30 or a bit more. during winter i get 26-28. i sure as heck hope it doesn't peak past $4. otherwise i'm biking to work, and i don't mean motorcycle.

Kamikaze · Post by **Kamikaze** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 9:34 pm

Double nickel: 55 (55mph speed limit basically everywhere)I don't think they should drop from 70mph to 55mph... I think it should either stay at 70, or just go back to 65... I don't think 55 would really help all that much..

jimincalif · Post by **jimincalif** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 11:57 pm

Quote, originally posted by tribalman Â»never heard of a "double nickel". what is it?OK, I know I'm old now.As Kamikaze said, the old 55 national limit.

stealth · Post by **stealth** » Tue Apr 22, 2008 12:35 am

Yes, I'm working on this already. On a recent hwy trip I went from 32 mpg to 37 mpg just by slowing to 65 mph [70 mph limit] and pressing the tires to the sidewall max.Nikki

futureviber · Post by **futureviber** » Tue Apr 22, 2008 4:16 am

Quote, originally posted by futureviber Â»I usually get 300miles/tank. Much better than what i got in past cars.Our interstates are posted 70 mph around here. Going 75 im being passed... by Semi's (they are posted 65 mph) But since gas has gone up i tend to try adn stay close to 70.Yesterday evening I went to the airport to pick up a friend. Drove on I-70 set the cruise at 70mph (speed limit). Im usually at 80 miles when I've used 1/4 tank of gas. When I got to 80 miles last night, it was at 1/8 tank! I think theres 120+ miles on my current tank and i've used just barely over 1/4 tank! My boyfriend always tells me to 'go faster' but if I'm driving Im gonna go the speed I want... If he wants to go faster he can just drive his car thats getting really awful gas mileage and he can just use up his gas instead of mine!

Renthorin · Post by **Renthorin** » Tue Apr 22, 2008 8:02 am

Here in Michigan I would be much too frightened to go under the speed limit. That is just asking to be run over :-(I go 74 and that has me at 2900 or so RPM.I will never drive under the speed limit as I would have to start yelling at myself to "go the speed limit you twit" and people would think I was crazy being all alone in the car

coldmm803 · Post by **coldmm803** » Tue Apr 22, 2008 12:45 pm

had to make a trip home today and did 120 miles on 3.037 gallons i hit 40mpg!!! its been a long time since i've seen that. i set the cruise to 70 and didnt need to pass much because there was very little traffic.

tribalman · Post by **tribalman** » Tue Apr 22, 2008 6:24 pm

thanks to all the extra highway driving, i just checked and i was a bit under 1/2 but i had 225 miles already. i was shocked. i normally have about 150. but yeah. as soon as the prices hit $4, i'm biking everywhere. if i need to go to the computer store 7 miles away, bike. only places i am driving to are my one job that's kinda far away, and to school, equally far the opposite way. the closer work is bike.

Daox · Post by **Daox** » Tue Apr 22, 2008 9:23 pm

If you guys are willing to take it one step further I highly suggest you take a look over on http://www.cleanmpg.com. A few driving techniques could be getting you 40+ all summer long city or highway driving.

Whelan · Post by **Whelan** » Tue Apr 22, 2008 9:59 pm

Today I drove 70 with the flow of traffic commuting, then when it got bottled up I stayed in the slow lane. Typically the passing lane gets jammed up and people brake and go like crazy, in the slow lane it's a steady pace even if at 20mph for a time. I left a lot more distance than I normally do.I also notice people in general seem to be pacing a bit slower and not rushing, sure there are a few, but nowhere near the # that used to, myself included. I am just a hair below 3/4 of a tank with 107 miles on the tank. This is the first full tank with my tube on so let's see what happens.

WD0AFQ · Post by **WD0AFQ** » Wed Apr 23, 2008 5:15 am

03 GT, ScanGuage. 32.5 From Eureka, Ca. To Dexter, Mo. 2350 miles. Have gotten 37 on a tank using TPS as my guide.

Kamikaze · Post by **Kamikaze** » Wed Apr 23, 2008 5:20 am

[QUOTE=coldmm803]had to make a trip home today and did 120 miles on 3.037 gallons i hit 40mpg!!! QUOTE]Actually you hit 39.512676 mpg...

TraySeeLea · Post by **TraySeeLea** » Wed Apr 23, 2008 5:46 am

I drove super slow today while thinking of this exact thread...haha

Whelan · Post by **Whelan** » Thu Apr 24, 2008 12:33 am

Well after getting to work today I am at 160 miles at the half mark. Typically I sit at 130 just below it so there has been definite improvements

WaveAction · Post by **WaveAction** » Thu Apr 24, 2008 6:41 am

i've started to take it easy already..got about 160 km before i even got to the 3/4 mark of gas..so with the way im going i could get 650 or so km on a tank

Whelan · Post by **Whelan** » Thu Apr 24, 2008 11:24 pm

Well drove to work today, dropped another 25 on plus driving last night, so now I'm somewhere around 230 and still halfway between 1/4 and a 1/2. Just excited to be saving money.I also noticed people are generally driving slower on the roads now too.

WD0AFQ · Post by **WD0AFQ** » Fri Apr 25, 2008 9:47 am

I am telling you, the ScanGauge is worth the money when it comes to saving fuel in a Vibe. Especially if you have a standard shift. I am sure this has been discussed but I could not find it in the search.Dan

Daox · Post by **Daox** » Sun Apr 27, 2008 9:35 pm

Quite right WD0AFQ. I have one and love it.Just thought I'd share this tid bit. I finally had the chance to take the Matrix on a long trip in warmer weather since I've started hypermiling. This weekend I went up to upper Michigan to visit my parents and in laws. The trip is 3/4 65 mph with about 1/4 55 mph. My wife had filled the Matrix up in the morning before work on Friday and had put on almost 100 miles (she averages the 34 mpg you see in my sig) before I jumped in and drove us. On the way up we first hit hit some very impressive stop and go rush hour traffic heading up a highway we normally don't travel to get out of Milwaukee. About an hour later we hit a massive downpour which limited visibility to about 30-50 feet so it was a crawl for about 20 minutes with rain well before and after. Last, but not least was a really dense fog at the end of the trip (roughly 400 miles in total there and back) that probably helped fuel efficiency as I just had to slow way down. All in all, I had the best tank yet out of the Matrix. 489.3 miles on 11.33 gallons gave me 43.2 mpg. Not too shabby. This was using pulse and glide with engine on coasting. Next time I hope to drive the entire tank at warmer temps (averaged low 50Â°F on the entire trip), and in good weather. 45 should be a piece of cake.

Whelan · Post by **Whelan** » Sun Apr 27, 2008 10:02 pm

Well I filled up Friday, I was at 275 miles the light still had not come on. I figured I could have reached 280. So I put in a little over 10 gallons, so that gives me an estimated 27mpg. Not bad for driving slower in an AWD with a smaller tank. I am impressed. I was getting low 20's before. Noticeable improvement.Also they were talking of oil hitting $200 a barrel this year potentially. I don't see this as a killer in the long run cause it will go back down eventually. Once our government stops being so dependent and drills in parts of Alaska and taps into ties with South America for what they have, according to geologists, a larger supply than the arabian countris. Right now a gallon of gas in the UK, yes they sell litre's but if you were to equate it. It comes to about $11 a gallon in London right now. So given the $200 mark coming, you could very well see high 4 and $5 gas. Time to change some vaca plans.

futureviber · Post by **futureviber** » Mon Apr 28, 2008 1:59 am

I got 33.7 on my last tank. Just driving slower and not accelerating quickly. My bf tried it and got much better mileage too... he doesnt calculate it but he has gone more miles on this tank than he usually can go. I guess something I said actually sank in - at least enough for him to try it.Going to Indianapolis again (50-60 mi away) so I will see how I can do on this tank too.

Whelan · Post by **Whelan** » Tue Apr 29, 2008 5:07 am

A used Prius is starting to sound nice right now, but with the climate changing I think I'll keep my AWD to get me around in the snow, when it comes.My solution to the woes in the news right now between the economy and other markets or interest, go to the bar, play some pool and get a nice big tower of beer.

are you willing to drive slower to get better mileage ?

are you willing to drive slower to get better mileage ?

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