GasBuddy Blog

Message Forum - Read Message

Category: Voting poll discussion > Topics	Add to favorite topics Post New Topic

Author	Topic: [Poll: 2011.39]: Which of the following driving techniques do you use most often to conserve fuel?	Post a Reply Back to Topics

CC Moderator	Message Posted: Sep 19, 2011 11:20:49 AM Ignore CC Report Abuse Which of the following driving techniques do you use most often to conserve fuel? Trying to time traffic lights Shutting off engine when idling at traffic lights Shifting to neutral when going downhill Light and steady acceleration and braking Using cruise control Following closely to avoid wind resistance Reducing drag by limiting speed, closing windows None of the above / I don't drive

Moderator

Message Posted: Sep 19, 2011 11:20:49 AM

Ignore CC Report Abuse

Which of the following driving techniques do you use most often to conserve fuel?

Trying to time traffic lights
Shutting off engine when idling at traffic lights
Shifting to neutral when going downhill
Light and steady acceleration and braking
Using cruise control
Following closely to avoid wind resistance
Reducing drag by limiting speed, closing windows
None of the above / I don't drive

REPLIES (newest first)Ignore Short Messages

First

Next Last

achung53 Veteran Author Orange County Posts:487 Points:85,225 Joined:Oct 2012	Message Posted: Dec 17, 2012 10:43:11 AM Ignore achung53 Report Abuse Trying to time traffic lights Shifting to neutral when going downhill Light and steady acceleration and braking Reducing drag by limiting speed, closing windows
MsPeachi747 Sophomore Author Cleveland Posts:209 Points:10,630 Joined:Dec 2011	Message Posted: May 29, 2012 9:57:38 AM Ignore MsPeachi747 Report Abuse Which of the following driving techniques do you use most often to conserve fuel? Trying to time traffic lights Light and steady acceleration and braking Using cruise control Reducing drag by limiting speed and by closing windows or only opening windows to the point of the rain guards on back windows Do not use drive-thru for food or pharmacy. Walk into the business and stand in line. Shifting to neutral when going downhill Planning my trips so that I can kill two birds with one stone effectively Travel as light as possible--not a lot of junk in truck Make sure my tires are equally inflated at required levels Use gas treatment monthly when I fuel up
cardjim Champion Author Missouri Posts:12,465 Points:2,704,755 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Apr 8, 2012 9:57:38 AM Ignore cardjim Report Abuse cruise control
tasha88CA All-Star Author California Posts:602 Points:43,315 Joined:Mar 2012	Message Posted: Apr 8, 2012 2:18:12 AM Ignore tasha88CA Report Abuse slow
ranger1169 Champion Author Harrisburg Posts:2,977 Points:513,890 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: Apr 8, 2012 1:42:33 AM Ignore ranger1169 Report Abuse cruise control
mikekoonie Veteran Author Appleton Posts:468 Points:584,485 Joined:Feb 2011	Message Posted: Apr 8, 2012 12:19:16 AM Ignore mikekoonie Report Abuse Just stay home
PistolBC Rookie Author Victoria Posts:8 Points:260 Joined:Mar 2012	Message Posted: Mar 21, 2012 3:12:22 AM Ignore PistolBC Report Abuse Agree with arriesmmd
AriesMMD Champion Author Sacramento Posts:1,496 Points:413,190 Joined:Dec 2011	Message Posted: Mar 5, 2012 2:36:03 PM Ignore AriesMMD Report Abuse Light and steady acceleration and braking except on freeways where cruise control is the way to go
boops54 Rookie Author Illinois Posts:51 Points:33,970 Joined:Dec 2011	Message Posted: Mar 2, 2012 2:51:55 PM Ignore boops54 Report Abuse slow and steady acceleration and braking
cardjim Champion Author Missouri Posts:12,465 Points:2,704,755 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Jan 31, 2012 10:04:10 AM Ignore cardjim Report Abuse Light and steady acceleration and braking Using cruise control
boops54 Rookie Author Illinois Posts:51 Points:33,970 Joined:Dec 2011	Message Posted: Jan 31, 2012 7:47:18 AM Ignore boops54 Report Abuse Light and steady acceleration and braking Cruise control when out of town on highway Turning off engine when in long line of traffice at stop lights or in backed up traffic
ceejay1976 Rookie Author Wisconsin Posts:7 Points:325,550 Joined:Jun 2011	Message Posted: Dec 4, 2011 4:07:42 PM Ignore ceejay1976 Report Abuse I use my cruise. I get awesome mileage when I do that even in the city.
herndonks Champion Author Baltimore Posts:1,116 Points:211,685 Joined:Dec 2011	Message Posted: Dec 3, 2011 12:04:20 PM Ignore herndonks Report Abuse Have any of you seen published studies on how much fuel could be saved by smarter traffic lights? For example, traffic lights flashing or on sensors, especially at night when traffic is light.
07skydriver Champion Author Ohio Posts:3,270 Points:984,285 Joined:Feb 2009	Message Posted: Nov 27, 2011 2:45:27 PM Ignore 07skydriver Report Abuse Just stay home.
ebw343 Rookie Author Winnipeg Posts:15 Points:187,825 Joined:Apr 2006	Message Posted: Nov 14, 2011 11:02:21 AM Ignore ebw343 Report Abuse "Following closely to avoid wind resistance" ...I hope no one actually does this!!
Winoscientist Champion Author Maryland Posts:7,926 Points:1,376,210 Joined:Jun 2007	Message Posted: Nov 7, 2011 10:27:04 AM Ignore Winoscientist Report Abuse I eat pie while driving.
larjos Rookie Author Calgary Posts:8 Points:300 Joined:Nov 2011	Message Posted: Nov 4, 2011 1:33:41 PM Ignore larjos Report Abuse Light and steady accelaration and braking [Edited by: larjos at 11/4/2011 1:35:58 PM EST]
ajwoody Rookie Author Riverside Posts:35 Points:10,105 Joined:Oct 2011	Message Posted: Oct 29, 2011 8:42:34 PM Ignore ajwoody Report Abuse Light and steady acceleration and braking
FeinDenz Rookie Author Ottawa Posts:42 Points:30,065 Joined:Aug 2002	Message Posted: Oct 21, 2011 11:09:56 PM Ignore FeinDenz Report Abuse Almost always remove right shoe for far better pedals feel, it's safer & cheaper. NOT illegal. Gradual acceleration whenever no drivers are behind me who might otherwise become annoyed.
MRSPINION Rookie Author Virginia Beach Posts:7 Points:1,285 Joined:Aug 2011	Message Posted: Oct 19, 2011 2:36:49 PM Ignore MRSPINION Report Abuse I USE GAS TREATMENT WHEN I FILL UP MY TANK, THIS HELPS A WHOLE LOT
vijayguneta Rookie Author Atlanta Posts:22 Points:4,660 Joined:Oct 2011	Message Posted: Oct 17, 2011 8:35:34 AM Ignore vijayguneta Report Abuse shutting engine when idling/ trafffic lights
googlee Champion Author Montreal Posts:2,889 Points:638,225 Joined:Oct 2010	Message Posted: Oct 12, 2011 1:20:35 PM Ignore googlee Report Abuse Light and steady acceleration and braking.... people behind don't really like that!! :P
hpleet Champion Author Ottawa Posts:2,940 Points:583,650 Joined:Sep 2011	Message Posted: Oct 10, 2011 12:34:13 AM Ignore hpleet Report Abuse Light and steady acceleration and braking
LXH18 Champion Author Los Angeles Posts:15,730 Points:3,213,650 Joined:Jun 2004	Message Posted: Oct 9, 2011 11:30:57 PM Ignore LXH18 Report Abuse Light and steady acceleration and braking.
Metal_Slug Veteran Author Los Angeles Posts:445 Points:275,940 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Oct 9, 2011 3:46:02 AM Ignore Metal_Slug Report Abuse I just try to keep acceleration steady; reduce throttle fluctuations.
bachm Rookie Author Columbus Posts:3 Points:410 Joined:Aug 2011	Message Posted: Oct 8, 2011 3:18:39 AM Ignore bachm Report Abuse I try to drive ahead. I look down the road to see light and traffic changes to avoid coming to a complete stop.
shockscape Rookie Author Indiana Posts:10 Points:303,250 Joined:Jun 2011	Message Posted: Oct 5, 2011 6:35:46 AM Ignore shockscape Report Abuse Light and steady acceleration and braking
autumnjAZ Rookie Author Phoenix Posts:3 Points:160 Joined:Oct 2011	Message Posted: Oct 4, 2011 8:53:48 PM Ignore autumnjAZ Report Abuse since i was little my dad has always stressed using cruise control so when i got my own car every change i get. i do.
DB2008 All-Star Author Winnipeg Posts:675 Points:239,070 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: Oct 2, 2011 7:43:58 AM Ignore DB2008 Report Abuse Trying to time traffic lights Using cruise control Light and steady acceleration and braking
libman Sophomore Author South Carolina Posts:207 Points:47,165 Joined:May 2007	Message Posted: Oct 2, 2011 2:26:45 AM Ignore libman Report Abuse Light and steady acceleration and braking
861gunner Rookie Author Ontario Posts:2 Points:390 Joined:Sep 2011	Message Posted: Sep 30, 2011 6:36:40 PM Ignore 861gunner Report Abuse Plan route ahead of time in order to avoid extra clicks and if possible carpool.
Joekikiwai Rookie Author Hawaii Posts:2 Points:140 Joined:Sep 2011	Message Posted: Sep 30, 2011 12:35:35 PM Ignore Joekikiwai Report Abuse Shifting to neutral when going downhill Light and steady acceleration and braking
windrifter Rookie Author KW Posts:72 Points:218,460 Joined:Dec 2010	Message Posted: Sep 29, 2011 3:13:57 PM Ignore windrifter Report Abuse It's interesting that 43% of drivers who responded accelerate lightly and steadily and brake similarly. But it seems to me that about 80% of drivers at intersections are jack rabbiters. I have rarely been the first car across an intersection after a light change. It could be the underpowered 6 cylinder vehicles I prefer to drive for their fuel economy.
awd59 Rookie Author Vancouver Posts:1 Points:245 Joined:Sep 2011	Message Posted: Sep 28, 2011 12:18:25 PM Ignore awd59 Report Abuse Never "Jack-rabbit". Moderate speed downhill and downshift to avoid speed creep on downhill. There's always a traffic light at the bottom of the hill!
elt Sophomore Author Pennsylvania Posts:190 Points:43,800 Joined:Feb 2011	Message Posted: Sep 28, 2011 1:32:29 AM Ignore elt Report Abuse cruise
Reny328 Rookie Author Miami Posts:4 Points:125,390 Joined:Jun 2011	Message Posted: Sep 27, 2011 11:55:55 PM Ignore Reny328 Report Abuse Using the cruise control on the Highway avoid the heavy foot which uses more gas, but in the city avoiding the sudden acceleration and stopping should save on gas.
reb01501 Sophomore Author Worcester Posts:123 Points:300,010 Joined:Aug 2011	Message Posted: Sep 26, 2011 3:24:16 PM Ignore reb01501 Report Abuse @gasguzzler11 "unless you down shift your tranny, especially in an automatic, you are getting exactly ZERO assist from your engine compression." Not from my experience. When coasting downhill, I find my car speeds up when shifted to neutral and slows down when shifted back into gear. The car is obviously geared low enough to provide some braking on steep hills. On a particularly long downgrade on the highway portion of my route to work, I was finding I needed to provide some throttle to maintain 65 mph down this hill. When I shifted to neutral, the car would routinely accelerate to 71 or so. Then I found out the manual definitely advises against speeds above 35 in neutral due to increased transmission wear.
GooseBayCamper Rookie Author New Jersey Posts:1 Points:420 Joined:Apr 2005	Message Posted: Sep 26, 2011 3:06:12 AM Ignore GooseBayCamper Report Abuse Hi, I'm back!!! years ago, on a trip, I combined, finding a "Big Rig" at moderate speed (think he was using cruise control too, But Long distance on interstate like 350 miles) I rode the wind slipstream close behind this tractor trailer, and used my cruise control, which had incremental up and incremental down, speed control, and this old 1996 Plymouth Breeze which at best interstate driving was getting 22 to 25 miles a gallon, achieved 44 miles a gallon.... Be Damned, I was totally amazed. By moderating speed, (and distance from rear of trailer) with controls instead of the "lurching foot" (no matter how smooth, the foot still lurches a lot compared to automatic controls) Well exceptional. Bye for now Regards, GB_C
JimL1 Champion Author Phoenix Posts:8,222 Points:1,242,795 Joined:Jul 2003	Message Posted: Sep 25, 2011 11:11:07 PM Ignore JimL1 Report Abuse Use Cruise Control
OKRifle Champion Author Oklahoma City Posts:10,411 Points:1,811,260 Joined:Oct 2007	Message Posted: Sep 24, 2011 10:21:41 PM Ignore OKRifle Report Abuse Do what works for you!
keo Champion Author Colorado Posts:10,261 Points:2,035,815 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: Sep 24, 2011 9:50:04 PM Ignore keo Report Abuse Timing
g747 Champion Author Mobile Posts:4,551 Points:935,620 Joined:Jul 2009	Message Posted: Sep 24, 2011 9:40:22 PM Ignore g747 Report Abuse I now make only necessary Trips Only when deemed Possible.
gas_too_high Champion Author Columbus Posts:11,549 Points:1,934,415 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Sep 24, 2011 8:55:01 PM Ignore gas_too_high Report Abuse Timing traffic lights is the technique I have used most often. But I also use cruise control when on freeways outside the city, and sometimes turn off the engine at a long light or when stopped at a railroad crossing. GTH
gougenator Champion Author Dallas Posts:29,870 Points:3,246,875 Joined:Aug 2003	Message Posted: Sep 24, 2011 7:38:08 PM Ignore gougenator Report Abuse biking most the time, car for the LONNNG travelling
Bonanza Champion Author Boston Posts:12,093 Points:2,552,730 Joined:Jun 2004	Message Posted: Sep 24, 2011 6:57:27 PM Ignore Bonanza Report Abuse Light and steady acceleration and braking
chui Champion Author Dallas Posts:2,905 Points:2,367,865 Joined:Sep 2004	Message Posted: Sep 24, 2011 4:34:21 PM Ignore chui Report Abuse cheching the lights ahead.......
GasMonc All-Star Author Detroit Posts:907 Points:46,060 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Sep 24, 2011 3:10:38 PM Ignore GasMonc Report Abuse Biking.
feldos Champion Author Florida Posts:2,640 Points:549,750 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: Sep 24, 2011 3:10:00 PM Ignore feldos Report Abuse I almost always run through the gears downshifting if coming up to a red light unless I'm tired...then usually just one downshift.
Bill8177 All-Star Author Tampa Posts:587 Points:843,795 Joined:May 2007	Message Posted: Sep 24, 2011 3:03:22 PM Ignore Bill8177 Report Abuse Has anyone tyred water for gas?
gazguzzler11 Champion Author Ontario Posts:3,446 Points:764,290 Joined:Mar 2010	Message Posted: Sep 24, 2011 2:39:47 PM Ignore gazguzzler11 Report Abuse Many people are posting that if you shift to neutral that you might cause extra wear on your brakes if they are needed because you lose the 'engine compression' braking assist. Well, unless you down shift your tranny, especially in an automatic, you are getting exactly ZERO assist from your engine compression. I do this (down shift) in both my automatic & manual tranny vehicles.