R56 Test proven way to save gas.
#1
Test proven way to save gas.
We all know MINI's drag coefficient is quite high. Despite the fact, the MC and MCS get great gas mileage. But I wanted to stretch my wallet even further so I started drafting behind larger cars. I have been averaging 38.8 mpg on the current tank. I welcome big SUV's to cut in front of me.
#2
We all know MINI's drag coefficient is quite high. Despite the fact, the MC and MCS get great gas mileage. But I wanted to stretch my wallet even further so I started drafting behind larger cars. I have been averaging 38.8 mpg on the current tank. I welcome big SUV's to cut in front of me.
#7
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#8
As an option to tying yourself to an Escalanch, Hummer, or some other mostly useless bauble of conspicuous consumption and sense of personal and perhaps sexual inadequacy you might try tying bicycle.
In order for "drafting" to be effective one must be practically kissing the bumper of the aforementioned lead vehicle. You would have to be on hyper alert. Imagine having someone follow you so close to your rear bumper. Along with irritation, frustration, anger, etc., your concentration would be diverted from paying attention to what is ahead to "what is this idiot behind me doing and how can I shake him/her." Another issue is that these large beasts are frequently driving at stupid speeds particularly considering the $ involved. It is not surprising to me to find 'support our troops" stickers on the rear of these beasts.
I try to maximize my mpg by attempting to drive in a sane manner at or near the speed limit. Most people pass me. I no longer care.
In order for "drafting" to be effective one must be practically kissing the bumper of the aforementioned lead vehicle. You would have to be on hyper alert. Imagine having someone follow you so close to your rear bumper. Along with irritation, frustration, anger, etc., your concentration would be diverted from paying attention to what is ahead to "what is this idiot behind me doing and how can I shake him/her." Another issue is that these large beasts are frequently driving at stupid speeds particularly considering the $ involved. It is not surprising to me to find 'support our troops" stickers on the rear of these beasts.
I try to maximize my mpg by attempting to drive in a sane manner at or near the speed limit. Most people pass me. I no longer care.
#9
Here is link to the results that MythBusters achieved behind a big-rig.
http://mythbusters-wiki.discovery.com/page/Big+Rig+Drafting?t=anon
http://mythbusters-wiki.discovery.com/page/Big+Rig+Drafting?t=anon
#13
As an option to tying yourself to an Escalanch, Hummer, or some other mostly useless bauble of conspicuous consumption and sense of personal and perhaps sexual inadequacy you might try tying bicycle.
In order for "drafting" to be effective one must be practically kissing the bumper of the aforementioned lead vehicle. You would have to be on hyper alert. Imagine having someone follow you so close to your rear bumper. Along with irritation, frustration, anger, etc., your concentration would be diverted from paying attention to what is ahead to "what is this idiot behind me doing and how can I shake him/her." Another issue is that these large beasts are frequently driving at stupid speeds particularly considering the $ involved. It is not surprising to me to find 'support our troops" stickers on the rear of these beasts.
I try to maximize my mpg by attempting to drive in a sane manner at or near the speed limit. Most people pass me. I no longer care.
In order for "drafting" to be effective one must be practically kissing the bumper of the aforementioned lead vehicle. You would have to be on hyper alert. Imagine having someone follow you so close to your rear bumper. Along with irritation, frustration, anger, etc., your concentration would be diverted from paying attention to what is ahead to "what is this idiot behind me doing and how can I shake him/her." Another issue is that these large beasts are frequently driving at stupid speeds particularly considering the $ involved. It is not surprising to me to find 'support our troops" stickers on the rear of these beasts.
I try to maximize my mpg by attempting to drive in a sane manner at or near the speed limit. Most people pass me. I no longer care.
#14
I believe that mythbusters proved that anywhere within 100ft is beneficial. Hanging in around 75ft at 60mph isn't THAT dangerous... it's the crazies that try to get 20ft from the bumper of the big rig that scare me.
Oh, and a way to save gas.... just don't drive as much. Lately I've been driving my wife to the metro (5 miles) then parking near by to ride my bike to work (6.5 miles). There's a nice trail near by, and I could use a loss of a few pounds... and its fun
Oh, and a way to save gas.... just don't drive as much. Lately I've been driving my wife to the metro (5 miles) then parking near by to ride my bike to work (6.5 miles). There's a nice trail near by, and I could use a loss of a few pounds... and its fun
#16
Also, keep in mind the money you save in gas costs you may end up giving back to the state in tail-gating tickets. WA state requires 1car length for every 10mph velocity. Completely unrealistic in urban areas, but there you go.
#18
To get the drafting effect, I agree that you don't have to be dangerously close. I intentionally left the distance part to the readers and as I suspected many people think NASCAR kind of bumper to bumper drafting. However, anything that will break the air for you in the front will be beneficial, especially in the headwind. I ride road bicycle and you won't believe how much energy you can save by following someone. On a bike you have to be close to save a lot of energy because the bicycle is already extremely aerodynamic.
#19
You have a VERY good point about potential road rage / distraction of SUV drivers when someone is trying to hyper-mile on them. ANd also some good points as to why some folks like SUVs. But please leave the political /troops side out of it - it tends to lead off-topic and into a nasty discussion when the OP was trying to be helpful.
Well said....
#21
If you follow the One car length for every 10 mph rule you have 0.82 seconds to notice their brake lights and match their deceleration. How fast you are going doesn't change it. This is based on the length of a MINI (12 ft.) and a person's ability to precisely estimate multiple car lengths visually -- which is doubtful.
0.82 seconds is probably the minimum time it takes for someone to notice the brake lights, decide to brake, get your foot from the gas to the brake pedal, and get the brakes acting. If your attention is distracted you better have significantly better stopping power than the car ahead.
0.82 seconds is probably the minimum time it takes for someone to notice the brake lights, decide to brake, get your foot from the gas to the brake pedal, and get the brakes acting. If your attention is distracted you better have significantly better stopping power than the car ahead.
#22
#23
We all know MINI's drag coefficient is quite high. Despite the fact, the MC and MCS get great gas mileage. But I wanted to stretch my wallet even further so I started drafting behind larger cars. I have been averaging 38.8 mpg on the current tank. I welcome big SUV's to cut in front of me.
#24
If you follow the One car length for every 10 mph rule you have 0.82 seconds to notice their brake lights and match their deceleration. How fast you are going doesn't change it. This is based on the length of a MINI (12 ft.) and a person's ability to precisely estimate multiple car lengths visually -- which is doubtful.
0.82 seconds is probably the minimum time it takes for someone to notice the brake lights, decide to brake, get your foot from the gas to the brake pedal, and get the brakes acting. If your attention is distracted you better have significantly better stopping power than the car ahead.
0.82 seconds is probably the minimum time it takes for someone to notice the brake lights, decide to brake, get your foot from the gas to the brake pedal, and get the brakes acting. If your attention is distracted you better have significantly better stopping power than the car ahead.
I thought I'd seen studies indicating attentive drivers can begin reacting in .4-.5 seconds. Still doesn't leave much time if you assume the leading vehicle is at a dead stop.
BTW, calculating the deccelleration of a MINI you would have to assume either wheel lockup or ABS and each has its set of inputs into a back of the envelope F=ma equation.
OK, forgive me - can you detail that equation for me please? Math is not my forte, and that sounded like fuzzy logic when I read it....Could be user/operator error, though.
#25
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I know that extreme tailgating can be very dangerous, but I have to completely agree with this one. I notice that I get way better gas mileage in heavier traffic were you really cant get out in front, and making and effort when stuck to pick going behind the bigger vehicle helps as well. The drag coefficient is quite terrible so even little bit of draft you get on an SUV with typical busy highway spacing is pretty noticeable.
When things aren't busy, I just stick to the cruise control, because 10 mph faster than everyone else seems to be the comfortable speed for me when im not thinking about it
When things aren't busy, I just stick to the cruise control, because 10 mph faster than everyone else seems to be the comfortable speed for me when im not thinking about it