I've been trying to figure out the best way to word this, so it can be added to the list of gas savings tips.
The basic idea is this: If you see a red light down the road, hit the brakes hard and fast. If you are doing 40 MPH, you want to slow down to 20 MPH as quickly as possible. Then, keep going at the reduced speed toward the stoplight, with the hopes that you'll be able to keep your 20 MPH.
What most people do is keep going 40 until the last possible second, then slow down to a dead stop. Obviously it takes more fuel to accelerate from 0MPH than 20 MPH to resume your speed.
It can be tricky, especially if it is a traffic light that you're unfamiliar with. But if you have a good idea of the lightcycle timing, you'll be able to take a decent guess at the speed you'll need to slow down to, based on your distance from the light.
I'm sorry I can't quantify it, but it is definitely a way to save some gas (and wear on your brakes)!
-Bob C.
|