Right Lane Cruiser
10-09-2007, 08:03 AM
It's amazing and so simple! (http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/in-the-news/t-my-hypermiling-clinic-6746.html#post49136)
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/546/TC_Spool_-_Kevin_2007_Scion_tC.jpgKevin (TC Spool) - CleanMPG (www.cleanmpg.com) - Oct. 8, 2007
Kevin and his 2007 Toyota Scion tC. Rated at 20/27 city/highway on the 08 EPA test cycle(s), the tC proved that it can easily best those numbers with a little knowledge and work on his part. --Ed
This past Saturday I was fortunate enough to participate in one of Wayne's Hypermiling clinics, and was very impressed by what I learned and the gains I was able to obtain in a few short hours.
I first learned about Hypermiling in some article I read online - might have been through AOL or some other news feed ... don't remember. I've always been about saving fuel when possible, and have used traditional methods such as coasting in N, shutting off the engine at extended stops and staying around 55 - 60 on the expressway.
After spending some time on these forums and reading the articles, I could see that there were so many additional ways that I never thought of. While I understood the concepts posted in the article, I figured it would be easier in practice using one of our top experts here.
I noticed a few times in miscellaneous threads that members were talking about these clinics, and more specifically Wayne said he has given them on numerous occasions. I sent him a PM last week and showed interest in a clinic if he had some time ... and I was invited to his house this past Saturday. He told me to make sure that I had a few hours free, which reaffirmed to me that this was going to be well-spent time. Figuring that clinics like this have a cost associated with them, I asked him what he would charge for this 3-4 hour learning opportunity. To my surprise, he said that there would be no charge - the fuel savings and knowledge shared is payment in itself.
While I was provided great directions, I wasn't positive which house was Wayne's in the subdivision, as his address wasn't clear on the mailbox. However, when I saw a Honda Insight on the driveway of the house I suspected to be Wayne's, I knew I had found my destination.
I was greeted by Wayne and fellow member Delta Flyer. He was in town for the Chicago Marathon and Wayne was gracious enough to host him for the weekend. We didn't waste time talking, as my car was still optimally warm from the trip up.
I didn't have my Scangauge yet so Wayne plugged his in, checked the configurations and we took off. The idea was for me to drive a pre-determined route using my everyday driving habits. When we were done, the Scangauge showed that my FE was around 26.5mpg. Average and not all that surprising. When we got back to the house we talked a bit and he did some vehicle checks - such as oil, air filter and tires. My oil was good, as I just put syn in a few weeks ago. The level was a bit high in consideration of FE, so I was told next change to put 1/2 qt less to reduce engine resistance. Air filter was fine - I was told what indicates time for a change. My tire pressure was all around - averaging 27psi. Max tire pressure is 51psi, so Wayne dragged out his compressor and filled up all my tires to the max. When this was done, it was time for Wayne to see what he could get in my car using Hypermiling - I was excited to see the potential.
Before this could happen, Wayne asked if I could help push his Accord and Ranger onto the grass to clear the driveway. Simple things like not starting a car to move it 5 feet back - mental note taken. I wouldn't learn why he wanted to move the cars until we arrived back. Next, he asked that I help push my car back so it was facing straight out towards the bottom of the driveway. At this point I knew that he was going to use the potential energy of his sloping driveway to get the car moving, I just didn't realize how much of a use he would get. We rolled down the driveway, to a rolling stop (very desolate area within the subdivision) and continued to the exit of his subdivision. Distance = 3 blocks, fuel used = 0. I was thinking that this was turning out to be a pretty fun game of 'how far can I go on no fuel'. Before we approached that intersection, Wayne told me that he was scanning the environment on the main road to see if he could continue without sitting at the stop sign for an extended period of time. If the window of opportunity was there, he would bump start before he reached the stop, reach the sign, stop, and immediately get out on the road. Unfortunately traffic wouldn't allow this and we rolled to the sign and waited. As soon as he saw an open opportunity, he started the car and immediately shifted and took off gently. Not even a few seconds later he FAS'ed, as the light ahead was red. We were approaching the stretch that he based his anticipatory focus lesson on - three lights within a few blocks. He was still in FAS mode when he moved to the right lane and rode the ridge. This is when he realized that the ICE was still on - apparently my car likes to take part in dieseling, turning off the key to IG-I and immediately to IG-II to reboot the electronics results in the ICE starting back up. This was going to hurt Wayne's overall mpg and he expressed great displeasure with this mistake! He then FAS'ed into a strip mall parking lot and navigated his way into a high point in the parking lot facing out. He once again explained about potential energy and using the environment to get moving. He also told me that he knows that there is one way out of the lot that doesn't require him to stop at a sign, so while he used that route, there was a car that didn't stop that was supposed to ... this only slightly jumbled the FE momentum he had going. We then proceeded across the street to another parking lot - all on FAS'ing Wayne was able to get into the lot, pull into a spot, back out and proceed to a stop sign that was around a curve a hundred plus feet away ... amazing! He then explained how we would be turning left at the stop light that was around the corner, but since it was red he would try to stay at the stop sign he FAS'ed to until the light was about to turn green. Unfortunately the environment didn't allow this as there was a car approaching from behind and Wayne is cautious about ticking other drivers off. We got through the light with a turn-key start and proceeded back to his house. After some additional FAS'ing and anticipatory focus on the lights and environment, we approached the turn-in for his subdivision. He turned on the turn signal a few hundred feet before the entrance and told me to hang on. No brake use while making the turn! I admit I was taken aback on this technique - with the thought of oversteer and/or losing control, but I had the expert with me and of course it went smoothly. DWB is another key to great FE ... note taken! One last bump start - a little momentum and a FAS up the driveway, quick 180 to face out, and a gentle roll back - all on no fuel! Now I saw why the cars had to be moved before - to allow for this maneuver. Wayne's final FE - 52.x mpg ... wow - double what I got and a confirmation of the potential my car has to get great FE!
Now we went over some detailed information inside regarding all the various techniques talked about on the forums. I asked a lot of questions and was provided great answers. It was now time for me to do a clinic run with me behind the wheel on some country back-roads.
Back on the driveway - Wayne gets out and gives my car a small push. I follow the same procedure he did - getting to the main stop without using any gas ... awesome. This time we took a right instead and headed down some hilly stretches - where I was instructed to use DWL (a technique I'm still trying to perfect). I ridge ride as I start to see a long line of traffic behind me (it doesn't help that I'm not going the speed limit - I'm trying to concentrate on not only my speedo - but the Scangauge and road ahead). I use my hazards, and let people pass while I'm learning. Wayne reassures me that once I get these techniques down, I usually won't be a nuisance to traffic as I'll be at or close to the speed limit at all times, and since I'm new at the Scangauge there is a learning curve involved. I also wasn't too good at complete stops as I was trying to use the bump start technique while approaching a stop sign. However by the end of the run I was doing complete stops. We did some more FAS'ing, bump starts, DWL, DWB, Smart Braking ... all the acronyms that resulted in better FE. I had one more acronym to learn, the P&G. This was attempted on a long frontage road along the expressway, and while I was hitting the accelerator too slow for P&G ... I understood the concept. When we arrived at the end of the road, I was told to turn into a motel parking lot using no brakes. I was going at a rate that I thought was too high, so I briefly touched the brakes and did a death turn. I was relieved I made it in ok, and circled around the entire building and out the lot without using any fuel! One bump start and I was on my way to more P&G and the bag of acronyms on the way back to his house. Approaching Wayne's house, I FAS'ed down his street, up the driveway and did the 180 maneuver. E-brake pulled and the results were in - 47.7 mpg for the trip! Not bad for a first timer :)
Time for the final exam. This was to be the same route as I first took when I got to his house, and the one that netted 52.x mpg for Wayne. While the environment caused a few negative points, along with my still-new use of the techniques, I was still able to achieve around 43.x mpg! An increase of 17 mpg was accomplished with just a couple hours of my time! I was more than satisfied that I drove up an hour and spent the morning learning from a pro.
When we were done, Delta Flyer was nice enough to provide me information on his Insight, including showing me where the batteries were, how it worked and his special addition of MIMA! He gave me a ride around town, explaining more and even allowed me to drive the car around. At some points we were hitting 150mpg and averaging over 80. This was my first real exposure to a vehicle with electric assist - and I was impressed. Honda did a great job and even though there are some negatives attached to the car, it's nice to see a 6 year production run. Thanks again Delta for all the information and the opportunity to be exposed to the Insight.
So after spending a few hours up north, it was time for me to depart with my new found knowledge and techniques. So what was first thing I did? Yep - rolled down Wayne's driveway and continued 3 blocks without fuel. My ride home consisted of keeping constant speed on the interstate, FAS'ing on the off-ramp and along the numerous roads I took home, along with the standard DWB, DWL, etc. without a Scanguage on hand, I'd have to say I was at least getting 35 + mpg. I found this new found 'hobby' to be very addictive in nature. I look for any opportunities to use various Hypermiling techniques, and I'm sure once my Scangauge comes in I'll try even more to increase my FE. I am completely focused on the external environment now - I'm more aware of other drivers, lights, hills, etc. I feel that I'm now a safer driver since due to this increased focus. Wayne was very adamant about safety - emphasizing that safety comes first over FE. Ridge Riding is a perfect example of this as he explained this technique helps prevent drivers that are approaching from behind (or as he calls Proctologists!) from hitting you since the car will stand out naturally due to its placement in the lane. I can see how some techniques can get dangerous ... if the driver is NOT paying attention to the environment.
The bug will soon spread, as I have started passing on the information to family and friends. While I've been told that some of these techniques are annoying (such as FAS'ing as often as possible), these critics will most likely change their mind when they see their fuel economy numbers shooting through the roof. As a result, I'm sure that they will pass on the information ... so on and so forth. If only I knew these techniques or read a book (*cough* Wayne) years ago, imagine the fuel I would have saved.
For those who are in the Midwest, specifically in the Chicago/Milwaukee area, I strongly recommend that you take Wayne's clinic. You can read the boards all day long, but nothing is like learning from a pro. Wayne dedicates three or so hours of his time for this great initiative, and I'm appreciative for that. You don't need a Scangauge ahead of time, as he has a spare one he uses. It doesn't matter what kind of car you drive or the type of transmission - I'm sure Wayne can teach a Hummer H2 driver to up their economy 50% from 10mpg to 15mpg! It's amazing and so simple.
Thanks again Wayne for the opportunity (and Delta Flyer as well) and I'm sure I'll be sending some people your way in the near future who can help add to the fuel savings meter at the top of this page!
Kevin
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/546/TC_Spool_-_Kevin_2007_Scion_tC.jpgKevin (TC Spool) - CleanMPG (www.cleanmpg.com) - Oct. 8, 2007
Kevin and his 2007 Toyota Scion tC. Rated at 20/27 city/highway on the 08 EPA test cycle(s), the tC proved that it can easily best those numbers with a little knowledge and work on his part. --Ed
This past Saturday I was fortunate enough to participate in one of Wayne's Hypermiling clinics, and was very impressed by what I learned and the gains I was able to obtain in a few short hours.
I first learned about Hypermiling in some article I read online - might have been through AOL or some other news feed ... don't remember. I've always been about saving fuel when possible, and have used traditional methods such as coasting in N, shutting off the engine at extended stops and staying around 55 - 60 on the expressway.
After spending some time on these forums and reading the articles, I could see that there were so many additional ways that I never thought of. While I understood the concepts posted in the article, I figured it would be easier in practice using one of our top experts here.
I noticed a few times in miscellaneous threads that members were talking about these clinics, and more specifically Wayne said he has given them on numerous occasions. I sent him a PM last week and showed interest in a clinic if he had some time ... and I was invited to his house this past Saturday. He told me to make sure that I had a few hours free, which reaffirmed to me that this was going to be well-spent time. Figuring that clinics like this have a cost associated with them, I asked him what he would charge for this 3-4 hour learning opportunity. To my surprise, he said that there would be no charge - the fuel savings and knowledge shared is payment in itself.
While I was provided great directions, I wasn't positive which house was Wayne's in the subdivision, as his address wasn't clear on the mailbox. However, when I saw a Honda Insight on the driveway of the house I suspected to be Wayne's, I knew I had found my destination.
I was greeted by Wayne and fellow member Delta Flyer. He was in town for the Chicago Marathon and Wayne was gracious enough to host him for the weekend. We didn't waste time talking, as my car was still optimally warm from the trip up.
I didn't have my Scangauge yet so Wayne plugged his in, checked the configurations and we took off. The idea was for me to drive a pre-determined route using my everyday driving habits. When we were done, the Scangauge showed that my FE was around 26.5mpg. Average and not all that surprising. When we got back to the house we talked a bit and he did some vehicle checks - such as oil, air filter and tires. My oil was good, as I just put syn in a few weeks ago. The level was a bit high in consideration of FE, so I was told next change to put 1/2 qt less to reduce engine resistance. Air filter was fine - I was told what indicates time for a change. My tire pressure was all around - averaging 27psi. Max tire pressure is 51psi, so Wayne dragged out his compressor and filled up all my tires to the max. When this was done, it was time for Wayne to see what he could get in my car using Hypermiling - I was excited to see the potential.
Before this could happen, Wayne asked if I could help push his Accord and Ranger onto the grass to clear the driveway. Simple things like not starting a car to move it 5 feet back - mental note taken. I wouldn't learn why he wanted to move the cars until we arrived back. Next, he asked that I help push my car back so it was facing straight out towards the bottom of the driveway. At this point I knew that he was going to use the potential energy of his sloping driveway to get the car moving, I just didn't realize how much of a use he would get. We rolled down the driveway, to a rolling stop (very desolate area within the subdivision) and continued to the exit of his subdivision. Distance = 3 blocks, fuel used = 0. I was thinking that this was turning out to be a pretty fun game of 'how far can I go on no fuel'. Before we approached that intersection, Wayne told me that he was scanning the environment on the main road to see if he could continue without sitting at the stop sign for an extended period of time. If the window of opportunity was there, he would bump start before he reached the stop, reach the sign, stop, and immediately get out on the road. Unfortunately traffic wouldn't allow this and we rolled to the sign and waited. As soon as he saw an open opportunity, he started the car and immediately shifted and took off gently. Not even a few seconds later he FAS'ed, as the light ahead was red. We were approaching the stretch that he based his anticipatory focus lesson on - three lights within a few blocks. He was still in FAS mode when he moved to the right lane and rode the ridge. This is when he realized that the ICE was still on - apparently my car likes to take part in dieseling, turning off the key to IG-I and immediately to IG-II to reboot the electronics results in the ICE starting back up. This was going to hurt Wayne's overall mpg and he expressed great displeasure with this mistake! He then FAS'ed into a strip mall parking lot and navigated his way into a high point in the parking lot facing out. He once again explained about potential energy and using the environment to get moving. He also told me that he knows that there is one way out of the lot that doesn't require him to stop at a sign, so while he used that route, there was a car that didn't stop that was supposed to ... this only slightly jumbled the FE momentum he had going. We then proceeded across the street to another parking lot - all on FAS'ing Wayne was able to get into the lot, pull into a spot, back out and proceed to a stop sign that was around a curve a hundred plus feet away ... amazing! He then explained how we would be turning left at the stop light that was around the corner, but since it was red he would try to stay at the stop sign he FAS'ed to until the light was about to turn green. Unfortunately the environment didn't allow this as there was a car approaching from behind and Wayne is cautious about ticking other drivers off. We got through the light with a turn-key start and proceeded back to his house. After some additional FAS'ing and anticipatory focus on the lights and environment, we approached the turn-in for his subdivision. He turned on the turn signal a few hundred feet before the entrance and told me to hang on. No brake use while making the turn! I admit I was taken aback on this technique - with the thought of oversteer and/or losing control, but I had the expert with me and of course it went smoothly. DWB is another key to great FE ... note taken! One last bump start - a little momentum and a FAS up the driveway, quick 180 to face out, and a gentle roll back - all on no fuel! Now I saw why the cars had to be moved before - to allow for this maneuver. Wayne's final FE - 52.x mpg ... wow - double what I got and a confirmation of the potential my car has to get great FE!
Now we went over some detailed information inside regarding all the various techniques talked about on the forums. I asked a lot of questions and was provided great answers. It was now time for me to do a clinic run with me behind the wheel on some country back-roads.
Back on the driveway - Wayne gets out and gives my car a small push. I follow the same procedure he did - getting to the main stop without using any gas ... awesome. This time we took a right instead and headed down some hilly stretches - where I was instructed to use DWL (a technique I'm still trying to perfect). I ridge ride as I start to see a long line of traffic behind me (it doesn't help that I'm not going the speed limit - I'm trying to concentrate on not only my speedo - but the Scangauge and road ahead). I use my hazards, and let people pass while I'm learning. Wayne reassures me that once I get these techniques down, I usually won't be a nuisance to traffic as I'll be at or close to the speed limit at all times, and since I'm new at the Scangauge there is a learning curve involved. I also wasn't too good at complete stops as I was trying to use the bump start technique while approaching a stop sign. However by the end of the run I was doing complete stops. We did some more FAS'ing, bump starts, DWL, DWB, Smart Braking ... all the acronyms that resulted in better FE. I had one more acronym to learn, the P&G. This was attempted on a long frontage road along the expressway, and while I was hitting the accelerator too slow for P&G ... I understood the concept. When we arrived at the end of the road, I was told to turn into a motel parking lot using no brakes. I was going at a rate that I thought was too high, so I briefly touched the brakes and did a death turn. I was relieved I made it in ok, and circled around the entire building and out the lot without using any fuel! One bump start and I was on my way to more P&G and the bag of acronyms on the way back to his house. Approaching Wayne's house, I FAS'ed down his street, up the driveway and did the 180 maneuver. E-brake pulled and the results were in - 47.7 mpg for the trip! Not bad for a first timer :)
Time for the final exam. This was to be the same route as I first took when I got to his house, and the one that netted 52.x mpg for Wayne. While the environment caused a few negative points, along with my still-new use of the techniques, I was still able to achieve around 43.x mpg! An increase of 17 mpg was accomplished with just a couple hours of my time! I was more than satisfied that I drove up an hour and spent the morning learning from a pro.
When we were done, Delta Flyer was nice enough to provide me information on his Insight, including showing me where the batteries were, how it worked and his special addition of MIMA! He gave me a ride around town, explaining more and even allowed me to drive the car around. At some points we were hitting 150mpg and averaging over 80. This was my first real exposure to a vehicle with electric assist - and I was impressed. Honda did a great job and even though there are some negatives attached to the car, it's nice to see a 6 year production run. Thanks again Delta for all the information and the opportunity to be exposed to the Insight.
So after spending a few hours up north, it was time for me to depart with my new found knowledge and techniques. So what was first thing I did? Yep - rolled down Wayne's driveway and continued 3 blocks without fuel. My ride home consisted of keeping constant speed on the interstate, FAS'ing on the off-ramp and along the numerous roads I took home, along with the standard DWB, DWL, etc. without a Scanguage on hand, I'd have to say I was at least getting 35 + mpg. I found this new found 'hobby' to be very addictive in nature. I look for any opportunities to use various Hypermiling techniques, and I'm sure once my Scangauge comes in I'll try even more to increase my FE. I am completely focused on the external environment now - I'm more aware of other drivers, lights, hills, etc. I feel that I'm now a safer driver since due to this increased focus. Wayne was very adamant about safety - emphasizing that safety comes first over FE. Ridge Riding is a perfect example of this as he explained this technique helps prevent drivers that are approaching from behind (or as he calls Proctologists!) from hitting you since the car will stand out naturally due to its placement in the lane. I can see how some techniques can get dangerous ... if the driver is NOT paying attention to the environment.
The bug will soon spread, as I have started passing on the information to family and friends. While I've been told that some of these techniques are annoying (such as FAS'ing as often as possible), these critics will most likely change their mind when they see their fuel economy numbers shooting through the roof. As a result, I'm sure that they will pass on the information ... so on and so forth. If only I knew these techniques or read a book (*cough* Wayne) years ago, imagine the fuel I would have saved.
For those who are in the Midwest, specifically in the Chicago/Milwaukee area, I strongly recommend that you take Wayne's clinic. You can read the boards all day long, but nothing is like learning from a pro. Wayne dedicates three or so hours of his time for this great initiative, and I'm appreciative for that. You don't need a Scangauge ahead of time, as he has a spare one he uses. It doesn't matter what kind of car you drive or the type of transmission - I'm sure Wayne can teach a Hummer H2 driver to up their economy 50% from 10mpg to 15mpg! It's amazing and so simple.
Thanks again Wayne for the opportunity (and Delta Flyer as well) and I'm sure I'll be sending some people your way in the near future who can help add to the fuel savings meter at the top of this page!
Kevin