TACKING INTO THE WIND

[Idahotom]

I have noticed a few times now, that when the wind is at 2:30 or 3, or 10:30 to 9 (with straight ahead being noon) that contrary to common sense (as there is for sure a head wind component, or at best a direct cross, but for sure no tailwind push) my ScanGauge shows better mileage then normal. I won't mention specific MPG's, but suffice it to say that all things taken into consideration for the stretch of road I'm on, the speed I'm goin, and the load I'm carrying, the MPG is higher then normal.

Now this got me thinking, and I'm not claiming this is happening, just throwing it out there as a theory for others who drive like me (eyes glued to the SC). There is a possibility the Yaris HB somehow develops a little lift, or at least less drag, when the wind hits it at an angle......don't call BS please, it doesn't really make sense to me either! But, as I have noticed this more then once, or at least have seemed to, I plan to see if it occurs again. It would be a bit of dumb luck on Toyota's part if so, not even they are that good! So, just a heads up the next time you have a good x-wind on a straight road, with flags and other wind indicators to eyeball as you drive, see if you notice anything unexpected.

My other "blizzard" posts, with some pretty good mileage for winter driving and a lot of first and second gear through slush, MAY have been an indication that this is happening. It wasn't just a little breezy, but a gale, 30 to 50. If nothing else, this would be a good rumor to start about the Yaris