Off-topic chat thread

[Draigflag]

So did a regular run to my supermarket, I usually reset the trip MPG just to see what I average as the route is pretty consistent, the main variants being traffic/weather. But it's the hottest day of the year so far, I had the AC on full blast the whole time and I beat any previous score (52.2 MPG)

Why would the AC make the car more economical? Or could the hot weather have a more beneficial effect than I anticipated?

[SteveMak]

Draigflag, some things to consider:

• Cold weather driving (does not have to be freezing), has a substantial negative effect on fuel economy. Mechanical stuff stiffens up and causes a lot more resistance. This applies even though the engine oil and coolant eventually warm up, because it takes a lot longer for a transmission to warm up, as it does every joint in the drivetrain, wheel bearings, etc.
  .
• At higher speeds (approx 45 MPH or higher) A/C can have less of a detrimental effect on fuel economy than open windows.
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• Red lights and stop signs have a big negative impact on fuel economy.
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• Driver information systems are notoriously inaccurate for reporting fuel economy.
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• The shorter the trip, the greater the opportunity for reporting fuel economy inaccuracies.
  .

[Draigflag]

Yea I only had the car since December, so haven't really driven much in hot weather yet. The trip computer I've measured each tank V's Fuelly's figures and it's pretty accurate, reads about 3 MPG higher than actual, so still close to 50 MPG. Guess there was no wind at all too so that helps too. Cruised at 65 MPH on the straights. Wonder what I could have achieved if I tried?

[Draigflag]

Just found out how to go on the internet in my car, who needs a Tesla huh?

[ChewChewTrain]

Originally Posted by Draigflag

Just found out how to go on the internet in my car, who needs a Tesla huh?

It ONLY took you 6 months to figure it out, Paul?


Do you get service through your phone-to-car?

[Draigflag]

Yes it uses the connection via Bluetooth and mobile Internet data. Never had it work before, had to adjust the settings. Now I can watch YouTube videos on longer journeys. Just kidding...

[ChewChewTrain]

Originally Posted by Draigflag

So did a regular run to my supermarket, I usually reset the trip MPG just to see what I average as the route is pretty consistent, the main variants being traffic/weather. But it's the hottest day of the year so far, I had the AC on full blast the whole time and I beat any previous score (52.2 MPG)

Why would the AC make the car more economical? Or could the hot weather have a more beneficial effect than I anticipated?

Someone commented that after 50mph it's more economical to cool yourself with the AC running rather than rolling down the windows.

By what delta did you beat your old record?

What I find hard to believe... Your town is big enough to support a supermarket, Paul?

[ChewChewTrain]

Originally Posted by Draigflag

Yes it uses the connection via Bluetooth and mobile Internet data. Never had it work before, had to adjust the settings. Now I can watch YouTube videos on longer journeys. Just kidding...

Now, you can drive like the Martin Short character in that movie, which I can't remember. Anyone?

[Draigflag]

Originally Posted by ChewChewTrain

Someone commented that after 50mph it's more economical to cool yourself with the AC running rather than rolling down the windows.

By what delta did you beat your old record?

What I find hard to believe... Your town is big enough to support a supermarket, Paul?

I usually see about 46-48 MPG displayed on any other day, I guess the circumstances were just perfect that day. Well the supermarket I go to is in a different town, hence the long journey. There are small supermarkets here, I'm not living in the middle of nowhere Doug. What's most important is the number of Pubs in my town, about 7 or 8, and 2 within 12 steps of my house

[ChewChewTrain]

Originally Posted by Draigflag

What's most important is the number of Pubs in my town, about 7 or 8, and 2 within 12 steps of my house

8 pubs? That works out to 1 pub per resident! AMAZING, Paul!

Were you born there?