Coasting Techniques

[Sean88]

Just started using some of the driving techniques discussed here and had a question about coasting duration. Here in MA the highways tend to be mostly rolling which seems perfect for coasting. So far I've just been doing engine on coasting but wanted to experiment with engine off. I've timed most of the coasting sections and at ~65mph they take ~30s-1min to ride down. What is the minimum amount of coast time that it makes sense to cut the engine for? Any suggestions greatly appreciated.

Sean

[SVOboy]

I'll cut the engine if I think I can coast more than 5-10 seconds, you also notice that when you start codfishing you learn to stretch your coasts and DWL a bit better.

Since you drive an si it must be stick so there's rly no issue with lots of coasting since you can just bumpstart it.

[omgwtfbyobbq]

I just realized the area I'm currently inhabiting is perfect for coasting. Coming back from the grocery store I can drive uphill for a couple miles, then take a right, kill the engine, and coast another couple miles at 40-45mph compared to keeping the engine on and trying to putt around in 4th at 35mph. I guess transmission losses are significant...

[SVOboy]

Engine braking does cause quite a bit of friction with only the same benefit as codfishing! Woohoo.

Other tips:

Overinflate tyres
Improve aerodynamics

[omgwtfbyobbq]

I used to bump up tire inflation to ~40-50psi on my truck, but now that I only use it for in town trips every few days, so I don't think the 50cents per fill is worthwhile because it drops down to ~30-35psi within ~32-48 hours anyway.

What's codfishing?

[SVOboy]

FAQ: http://www.gassavers.org/showthread.php?t=1088

Anyway, damn, you loose lots of air, I can go more than a month before losing a few psi and my air is free, but it does greatly help with the coasting.

[omgwtfbyobbq]

I see. Thanks for the link!

[SVOboy]

I love that link, I need to work on the archives though, grr me.

[GasSavers_brick]

Originally Posted by omgwtfbyobbq

I used to bump up tire inflation to ~40-50psi on my truck, but now that I only use it for in town trips every few days, so I don't think the 50cents per fill is worthwhile because it drops down to ~30-35psi within ~32-48 hours anyway.

What's codfishing?

You can get a 12V compressor at Sears for ~$20. Well worth the investment!

[omgwtfbyobbq]

They're that cheap? I'm guessing the drop in battery charge is worth the decrease in RR.