Your own Declaration of Independence from gas guzzling

So, I was in North Carolina last month, riding back from my cousin’s wedding reception (conga-rats A&A) and the topic of conversation was the minivan we were riding in, a Honda Odyssey my other cousin just purchased.  This Odyssey model is a class leader on fuel economy due, in part, to a 6-cylinder engine that shuts off half of the cylinders when you don’t need the power and turns them back on when you do.  Honda calls the technology Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) and also uses it in the Accord Hybrid to improve engine efficiency (GM and DaimlerChrysler have the technology in limited applications too).

Though the VCM technology is cool, the real topic of conversation was more low-tech.  My cousin really loves the light that goes on when the minivan is operating on half its cylinders, saving fuel.  In fact, she found herself learning to drive in ways that maximized the amount of time the light stayed on—part game, part money saving strategy.  I have heard similar stories from hybrid owners about how they enjoy using the instantaneous fuel economy readouts and other onboard feedback to help them learn to maximize their fuel economy.

With gas prices over $2 per gallon and the US spending $350,000 every minute on petroleum imports, wouldn’t it be great if every driver had more ways to improve their fuel economy, even by just a bit?  If every car and truck came with a very visible fuel economy meter for instant feedback on driving habits we would have a great new tool to save some money at the pump.  I have to admit, I am thinking that this may be something UCS should tackle… stick around and see.

For now, those of you who DO have any sort of fuel economy feedback, take advantage of it!!  I challenge you to try to squeeze out an extra mpg or two.

For those of you who don’t, check this out for a few helpful tips.  Lets see what we can do as consumers and drivers to help reduce oil dependence.

The auto industry is still doing a relatively poor job of making high fuel economy choices available to the public, and Congress certainly doesn't seem to be helping us out, either, but on this Independence Day weekend, there is no reason you shouldn’t make the choices you can to be a bit more patriotic and help cut down on our oil import habit.

Happy 4th, everyone!

Posted by: DJF

Comments

[Engineer-Poet]

VCM is the same concept as the old V8-6-4 scheme shipped in Cadillacs in 1981. It's also in recent Corvettes; it's good to see that the mechanical issues have been fixed.

[Rob]

For those in the know, and slightly off topic. How far are we away from a hybrid motorcycle?

An already impressive MPG rating can be kicked up to something truly impressive (200+ mpg)

[Rob]

Well 180mpg anyway

http://motorcyclecity.com/electric-hybrid/ecycle.htm

[Engineer-Poet]

Um, how about "as far away as the first manufacturer willing to take the plunge"?

I looked at the E-cycle, and wasn't impressed. It appears to have no transmission, and relies on the motor for low-speed torque and climbing hills. If you had a sustained period of operation in slow traffic or had to climb a long hill, it could easily go dead on you.

Other than that little design flaw, it's darned clever. I don't know how well it would sell against the 80-MPG Chinese mopeds that I've seen going for $995, though; the cost difference between 80 MPG and 180 MPG isn't much. Even at $5/gallon it would take you 135,000 miles or so to make up the $4500 cost difference.

[Briana]

Hi,
I am writing an article about hybrids for my school paper, and possibly for the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. I was wondering if I could talk to you about your opinion on hybrids, especially Ford. I hope to hear back from you.
Thank you,
Briana

[Mike DeMontera]

People just dont realize that hybrids suck because the technology is under development.

why we all dont just buy 1.2 Litre turbodiesel cars like i do! Now i get 70 to 90 mpg depending on road conditions. 72horsepower is enough to move from place to another, 5 passenger seats and so on 123 mph top speed.

hybrids cant do much better mpg than average 50 to 60. but small diesels can do easily on normal driving 60 to 85 mpg.

with diesel i use turnip rape oil, consumer it costs ~45cents per gallon (US), so 30 cent per gallon can be acceptable on big amounts. full power is always in use, diesels can burn turnip rape oil without modification!!!!!

EYES OPEN!!! this small VW diesel car cost me 4200$ the engine has promised average lifetime of 450000miles. turbo averages 150000miles. boost is around 2.0 atm. ands 70-90mpg under any conditions city or highway under 90mph.
WORKS LIKE A GASOLINE CAR, KEY IN AND START, ITS NOT A NOISY GM 5.7litre DIESEL WHERE CRANKS COME OUT AND SMOKE FOLLOWS.

[motorcycle oil]

A few years ago, it was difficult to find synthetic motor oils, and equally difficult to find someone who admitted

to using them. Nowadays, however, you can find synthetic motor oils on the shelves of Wal-Mart, and other retailers,

and the number of people turning to synthetic motor oils, particularly in light of the recent events affecting fuel

prices, has risen greatly.

So why do people use synthetic motor oils rather than sticking with the old petroleum based stand-bys which are

admittedly cheaper?

1. Let's start with the cost per quart issue. Synthetic motor oils ARE more expensive at purchase. However, these

oils last longer, requiring fewer oil changes. As a synthetic motor oil outlasts several changes of petroleum based

lubricants, the ultimate out-of-pocket cost of the lubricant is less. This cost savings becomes even greater if you

have someone else change your oil for you rather than doing it yourself!