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#11 |
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Budget Buster
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I quickly learned that the most effective means of breaking the hurdle from low 40's mpg to high 40's mpg was speed. I get better mileage when I quickly (but not too quick!) accelerate to cruising speed (speed limit) and maintain, with uphill climbs as the only exception. Uphill requires a soft foot and a reduction in speed, depending on the grade of the climb. When I drove too conservatively, afraid of accelerating to get to cruising speed, I could not break above the low 40's for mpg. It takes some short term sacrifice of fuel to get to the most FE gear and speed to maximize overall mpg.
Scangauge or similar real time mpg device is a must. No cheating, no below minimum mph driving, no rolling stops through intersections, no safety violations. Eastern Maryland is anything but flat. Rolling hills abound. It's all about taking advantage of the terrain given. I drive an AT sedan and am able, with vigilance, to maintain high 40's MPG. I make it a fun game and don't take it too seriously. |
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