Green Cars - Part 2
Jul 16th, 2008 by gmoran
A few tips worth repeating offered by ConsumerReports.org based on tests with their sample Toyota Camry. 1. Drive at moderate speed – the test Camry’s fuel economy decreased from 40 mpg to 35 when highway speed increased from 55 to 65 mph. Increases to 75 mph resulted in another 5 mpg drop. One reason is that aerodynamic drag increases exponentially the faster you drive; it simply takes more fuel to power the car through the air. 2. Drive smoothly – avoid hard acceleration and braking whenever possible. The test Toyota Camry’s fuel efficiency was reduced by 2-3 mph under erratic driving conditions. 3. Reduce unnecessary drag – on the highway 50%+ of engine power goes to overcoming aerodynamic drag. A large car-top carrier on the Camry dropped its mpg from 35 to 29 t 65 mph. We learned many of these principles during the 70’s gas shortage. Remember when the nation’s highway speed limits were 55 mph? However, time is one of the things money can’t buy.