[bppstorr]

I'm one of those guys you hate, who coasts very slowly to a red light waiting for it to turn green.

I only fully stop for people who use their Horn behind me.

I try and watch as many red lights that are ahead of me as I can and try and time myself so they are green when I get there. Success varies depending on traffic.

[cyslespitocop]

I try and watch as many red lights that are ahead of me as I can and try and time myself so they are green when I get there. Success varies depending on traffic.

Another good reason for doing this, you can spot cops ahead. Cops drive like that, they watch several lights ahead, to catch people running lights. Also, watching far ahead, you can spot undesirables, and have plenty of time to avoid them.

[Gulauur]

Cops drive like that, they watch several lights ahead, to catch people running lights.

Oooh, that's the worse kind of entrapping asshole, a cop going extra slow as everyone stacks up behind him.

He should not be allowed those same rights of way as me.

[ulnanVti]

The OP article is very good and has many good instructions. But, I drive first and foremost for enjoyment and relaxation. I think about fuel economy but don't obsess over it. I am more concerned about avoidable wear and tear on the vehicle. These are the sinple rules that I follow:

1. When starting a cold engine, I let it idle until the RPM settles down to stable rate, about 10 seconds.
2. When pulling out, I am very easy on the gas until the engine temperature is half way to nominal.
3. I avoid hard accelerations, even when merging onto highway traffic.
4. I never bottom put the steering wheel.
5. I add 5 oz of Lucas oil to each tank of gas. The engine runs quieter and fuel economy improves about 15%. Lucas will lubricate cylinder heads, clean fuel injectors and contains an octane booster polyisobutylene. I buy the gallon jug so each 5 oz treatment cost less than a dollar.
6. I avoid short trips like the plague - they will destroy your exhaust system in time. I never take a trip that does not bring the engine to full operating temperature.
7. Never let the engine idle more than a minute: it kills the engine and the transmission over time.
8. I change the oil religiously every 3000 miles. I know this is overkill with modern oils and my gentle driving style. But, I'd rather baby the engine.
9. Change your transmission fluid every 100,000 miles, maybe every 50,000 miles. It's cheap insurance.

Enjoy your car and drive judiciously. Don't obsess about the fuel economy. Concentrate on driving correctly. One fender bender will easily cost you 100 gallons of gas in equivalent dollars.

[cyslespitocop]

Great tips Mamboni, thanks! I'll give that lucas additive a try and see if it helps as well.

[Morageort]

Absolutely! If you are hypermiling, you are going to screw up everyone's commute. The ensuing traffic jams will not be very fuel efficient. In traffic, be aware and pack it in tight. If you leave a lot of space between vehicles, you are taking up the footprint of a semi with trailer. People who are dull or stupid and leaving too much space or hesitating too much cause traffic jams. Want to save gas? Stay home or drive with someone else.

Actually, it may be the opposite of what you think:
http://trafficwaves.org/

[Gulauur]

5. I add 5 oz of Lucas oil to each tank of gas.

I imagine each application following Doctor's rules of hygiene including hotwater hand scrubs and latex gloves...

Brings back memories pulling a piston to inspect damage from a blown sparkler in a racing Go-cart engine with my MD. brother in-law,

each step was like some acute stage of eye surgery.