May 14, 2006
COOL CRUISIN':
We Test the Tips: What Really Saves Gas? And How Much? (Philip Reed and Mike Hudson, 11-22-2005, edmunds.com)
With gas prices so high, the media is awash with lists of gas-saving tips. Well how's this for a tip? If you listen to us, you can see hybrid-type savings without having to buy a new car.By changing your driving habits you can improve fuel economy up to 37 percent right away (depending on how you drive). Combine several tips and perform routine maintenance and you will save real dollars, not just pennies.
A miracle? All we did was take several of the most common tips out there and put them to the test over a remote 55-mile route in the high desert of California. Some of them worked like a charm. Some of them didn't work at all. We'll give you the breakdown.
These tests were done under real-world conditions — not in a government lab somewhere. Our results can be matched by anyone — even you.
The wonderful part about what we found is that improving your car's mileage is just a matter of changing your habits. Stack a few of these winners together and we'll bet that you'll see a substantial savings at the pump — without the need for a new car. [...]
Test #4 A/C On, Windows Up vs. A/C Off, Windows Down
Result: Nice in theory; not true in practice
Cold Hard Facts: No measurable difference (unless you open the sunroof, too!)
Recommendation: Please, make yourself comfortable.
Thank you, Jesus. Posted by Orrin Judd at May 14, 2006 11:48 AM
The Straight Dope did this test as well, years ago, and also found no measurable difference. Open windows induce a lot of drag.
Posted by: Annoying Old Guy at May 14, 2006 11:59 AMYa, but the bully's ears don't flap as well with just the AC on. What can you do?
Posted by: JR at May 14, 2006 12:10 PMI believe "Mythbusters" also busted that particular myth.
Posted by: Just John at May 14, 2006 12:50 PMBut if we just passed a law that wouldn't allow air conditioners in cars, it would change behavior and make trains more attractive, right Orrin?
So why not do it? :)
Posted by: kevin whited at May 14, 2006 2:06 PMWhat about those trains that you can drive your cars onto?
By the way, I recently had a brilliant idea: roller coasters. Who wouldn't want to ride a roller coaster to work? It's got to be cheaper than other light rail systems. And more fun.
Posted by: RC at May 14, 2006 3:04 PMRC:
I like the way you think. I was thinking of taking people to work in classic warbirds. Who wouldn't want to make their commute in the ball turret of a B-17?
Taxes may get em out of their cars but it won't put em on trains.
Posted by: sharon at May 14, 2006 3:44 PMIf we have to drive the speed limit, can't rev the engine, etc etc, all the fun will be out of driving and we might as well take the train.
I cursed Nixon each and every day for imposing the 55 MPH limit, a hanging offense IMO.
BTW, cruise control is dangerous at high speeds. The couple of second it takes to hit the brake before the car starts to slow down might make the difference between stopping in time to avoid a collision. Not only that, on cruise control, the car is at the mercy of every little bump in the road making it sway like a camel on the desert.
Posted by: erp at May 14, 2006 6:23 PMerp;
You need laser assisted cruise control. It rocks out loud. Turing&Church, I love the feel of cool technology in the morning.
Posted by: Annoying Old Guy at May 14, 2006 9:26 PMAOG - Thanks for the tip, but so little in modern life can be controlled by the individual that I'll keep control of my steering wheel and gas pedal as long as I'm able and after that, I'll hang up my spurs and stay home.
I hope it never comes to being forced to take the choo-choo.
Posted by: erp at May 15, 2006 7:06 AM