Which route during the rain?

Chalupa102 · #1 01-25-2010, 03:42 PM

Of course we all know rain increases rolling resistance, which hurts f/e. I have two main routes to and from school that i can take.

Route 1 - highway driving 55-60mph for about 3/4 of the trip with the rest 1/4 slower with some stop lights.
Route 2 - back roads with more stop lights and speeds ranging from 30mph around the stop light area and about 1/3-1/2 of the trip with no lights at 45mph.

I know while it's raining, either way is gonna decrease f/e, but which route do you guys think would decrease it less?

JusBringIt · #2 01-25-2010, 03:45 PM

With water to be forced out of your way, the lower your speeds, the less energy you expend getting it out of the way.

PaleMelanesian · #3 01-25-2010, 03:46 PM

I'd go for the slower one. You're still "squishing" water across the road, but not "flinging" as much up in the air.

Chalupa102 · #4 01-25-2010, 08:10 PM

Awesome, thanks a lot guys. Next time i'll give the slower route a try and see what happens.

drimportracing · #5 01-25-2010, 09:56 PM

Controlled hydroplaning has some advantages

or you could do this or this.

- Dale

jim isbell · #6 01-26-2010, 10:05 AM

I would say you should take the route where you have less standing water. I find that a "grooved" country road can be good or bad. If you can drive out of the grooves where there is less water that will help but if you have to drive in the grooves (narrow road with no shoulder) then the grooves full of water hurt. Its only a quarter of an inch but it really makes a difference on my Insight, I can feel it slow in the grooves. An interstate highway that is concrete is usually pretty good...if it has good drainage. The concrete surface does a better job of getting rid of water than an old smooth asphalt road does.