Driving habits

[Cummins Pilot]

I don't just run around for the hell of it now. I plan my trips to run to the store now with other trips. But I'll still stand on it sometimes.



On one note, diesel is cheap if you compare it to my plane. AvGas is 3. 70+ now. At 10 Gals/hr and I use it to commute each weekend for a total of 4. 5 hours. Thats about 650 a month in fuel costs alone (not factoring maint, oil, parking fees ect).

 

[TSpecht]

The only way the price of fuel has changed my driving habits is I've slowed down to within 5mph of the speed limit, coast to stop signs/lights now instead of get to them under power (these trucks will coast an incredible distance), and finally, not accelerate away from stops hard and shift before 2000rpm. This works best when you accelerate like someone 30+ years older than you are. The downside to this method is one must leave a few minutes early.

I went from a lifetime average (empty) of around 17mpg to 20. 8mpg on this last tank by doing that. The driving ended up being mostly country back roads with some expressway and a little city driving mixed in. The hardest part for me is to ignore the other drivers and my desire to just mash the fuel pedal and leave them in the dust... I believe I will continue to drive this way in the future, however, since it's saving fuel and thereby saving me from having to spend more money than I really need to.

 

[Tee]

I've gone from running within 5mph over the limit to within 5mph under. Still accellerate pretty hard on the on ramps but if I didn't I'd get run over. Merge then settle into my 62 in a 65. My last tank netted me a 3. 1 MPG gain (hand calced)

Noticed in the last week or so that alot of others are not passing me as quickly as they used too in the morning. Same comute every day you see alot of the same folks every morning.

 

[Island Dodge]

I've had my truck only a couple of months, man I love it too, anyway it replaced a "67" F250 that I got from my Dad who bought it new. It got 10 +-mpg and was only used for farm, hauling, firewood etc. . New CTD gets 23mpg.



I use my 4 cyl Mercedes 240D for daily driving, 36 mpg from a 3400 lb car, no air bags and not real fast 'off the line'. I wouldnt want to be driving the freeways out here in a little "rice burner"

 

[JHerr]

I bought an old Rabbit diesel about a year ago. Now I get 50-53 mpg. Soon my Greasecar kit will be installed in the Rabbit. Free grease is better than $1. 50 diesel, let alone $2. 50 diesel. The kit should be paid for in a year.



I miss the miles in the Ram, but it is still my Sunday-go-a-meetin' ride.

 

[RMalone]

I still drive my truck how I want, I've never been a fast driver, spot on to 5mph over the speed limit is about it for me, but I love to get there real quick!!



My justification is I have no kids or wife and dont go to the bar twice a week!! A man has to have some fun!! Besides I get about 18mpg. My other choice right now is an extended chebby van I own through my company, 6. 0 gasser = 11 mpg if your careful with the right foot.