Clueless anti-hypermilers... - Gas Savers

davidjh72 · 06-15-2007, 11:08 AM

http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2...8135217268.txt

" Just for your information in Illinois it is illegal to "coast" in your car. Its clearly stated in the Illinois vehicle Code you cannot drive down the road with the transmission disengaged. It is for saftey reason hench the no power steering or power brakes. "

The above was copied/pasted here from the comments section of that web page, including the misspelled words.

Last time I coasted in neutral, or with the clutch pedal down, as recently as this morning, I did not lose power steering and/or brakes.

Their ignorance speaks volumes.

Bubba Bob · 06-15-2007, 11:13 AM

As with anything, journaists don't do enough research before writing. I was reading a trucking forum the other day that spoke very lowely of all hypermillers, because of one poorly writen news article that implied ALL hypermillers get dangerously close to the back of their trailers.

davidjh72 · 06-15-2007, 11:17 AM

I read that ATA article too. If truckers don't want to be tailgated, they shouldn't tailgate us car drivers!!! I've driven through the "mountains" in PA and TN a few times. It's a terrifying experience to be driving 80+ just to keep pace, and see a semi truck grill in the rearview mirror. What a minute... that was the last time I was on the freeway in un-mountainous Michigan.

Do unto others as you would have done unto you.

OdieTurbo · 06-15-2007, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidjh72

If truckers don't want to be tailgated, they shouldn't tailgate us car drivers!!! I've driven through the "mountains" in PA and TN a few times. It's a terrifying experience to be driving 80+ just to keep pace, and see a semi truck grill in the rearview mirror.

I agree, everday I get tailgated by some a**hole truck driver that needs to tailgate my a** at 3" off the back bumper because I'm doing 55 in OMG a 55 MPH ZONE!

rGS · 06-15-2007, 01:08 PM

To bring an element of local realism of the "anti-hypermiling" attitude, imagine your brother sitting in the front passenger seat complaining that "hypermiling takes too long." Fortunately for you, you may continue imagining that scenario. So his "solution" is to borrow mom's car and drive very "non-hypermilingly" and guess who gets to absorb the cost of his non-hypermiling driving? Yup, mom. Family can be so much fun. *sarcasm*

davidjh72 · 06-15-2007, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rGS

To bring an element of local realism of the "anti-hypermiling" attitude, imagine your brother sitting in the front passenger seat complaining that "hypermiling takes too long." Fortunately for you, you may continue imagining that scenario. So his "solution" is to borrow mom's car and drive very "non-hypermilingly" and guess who gets to absorb the cost of his non-hypermiling driving? Yup, mom. Family can be so much fun. *sarcasm*

Sitting at the side of the road for 20 minutes while man in blue gets around to writing a $100 ticket. Bro, you had to get there 10 minutes ago. Now shut up!

Edit: "Shut up!" not directed to you rGS or anybody else here, unless you're my brother.

ma4t · 06-15-2007, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidjh72

I read that ATA article too. If truckers don't want to be tailgated, they shouldn't tailgate us car drivers!!! I've driven through the "mountains" in PA and TN a few times. It's a terrifying experience to be driving 80+ just to keep pace, and see a semi truck grill in the rearview mirror. What a minute... that was the last time I was on the freeway in un-mountainous Michigan.

Do unto others as you would have done unto you.

Dontcha just love I-96 in Michigan? Or for that matter, any highway?

2 lanes = bad news. The only way I can keep cars from tailgating and then flying around and changing lanes 2" in front of me is to follow a truck. Some truckers, I have found, really don't like that. What's even funnier is when a speedster wants to show me who's boss, and flies around me, only to find I'm drafting behind a truck. They swoop in only to find out they're now sandwiched between me and a truck.

Fortunately, it's conspicuous consumerism season again. This is the season where every household in Michigan takes everything from their garage and straps it onto their battle cruiser. I just follow one of them, and hopefully everybody thinks I'm part of the caravan.

Seriously, you don't want to drive anywhere near Grand Rapids on a Friday.

ma4t

repete86 · 06-15-2007, 01:55 PM

What I don't get about these truckers is that they always draft other trucks. Late at night, I will often see a line of 5-10 trucks drafting each other much closer than any of us get. They seem to love drafting.

davidjh72 · 06-15-2007, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ma4t

Fortunately, it's conspicuous consumerism season again. This is the season where every household in Michigan takes everything from their garage and straps it onto their battle cruiser. I just follow one of them, and hopefully everybody thinks I'm part of the caravan.

Seriously, you don't want to drive anywhere near Grand Rapids on a Friday.

ma4t

Go on YouTube and search "top gear caravan". The non-RV'ing Brits hate campers - slowest thing on the road... trucks are faster than them.

davidjh72 · 06-15-2007, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theclencher

David: while many commenters DID put their ignorance on public display, this guy was correct (except for his poor spelling).

" Just for your information in Illinois it is illegal to "coast" in your car. Its clearly stated in the Illinois vehicle Code you cannot drive down the road with the transmission disengaged. It is for saftey reason hench the no power steering or power brakes. "

What got my attention was this person's claim that you lose steering and brakes with the transmission disengaged. If that were true, then manual transmissions should be banned because the moment you push down the clutch pedal or move the shifter out of gear, you're out of control - no power steering/brakes. Obviously not a driver of a manual transmission car.

Oh what did our grandparents ever do before the autotragic transmission? *sarc*

slurp812 · 06-15-2007, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidjh72

I read that ATA article too. If truckers don't want to be tailgated, they shouldn't tailgate us car drivers!!! I've driven through the "mountains" in PA and TN a few times. It's a terrifying experience to be driving 80+ just to keep pace, and see a semi truck grill in the rearview mirror. What a minute... that was the last time I was on the freeway in un-mountainous Michigan.

Do unto others as you would have done unto you.

Well, if them mow me over, I will gladly accept the 2.5 billion dollar settlement from the company they drive for

Iv had several fly up to my rear bumper because I was only doing 60 in a 65. Trucks are supposed to go 55.

Bubba Bob · 06-15-2007, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theclencher

Bubba: The article, while not written to the highest standard, was not anti-hypermiling although the writer could have benefitted from consulting a more technically inclined person before submitting the final copy.

What article are you referring to? I wasn't referring to the article the OP posted.

Quote:

What I don't get about these truckers is that they always draft other trucks. Late at night, I will often see a line of 5-10 trucks drafting each other much closer than any of us get. They seem to love drafting.

"Do as I say, not as I do"

Hockey4mnhs · 06-15-2007, 03:50 PM

i just tap my breaks and slow down. it works really fast

davidjh72 · 06-15-2007, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slurp812

Well, if them mow me over, I will gladly accept the 2.5 billion dollar settlement from the company they drive for

Iv had several fly up to my rear bumper because I was only doing 60 in a 65. Trucks are supposed to go 55.

I feel like the trucks are this close...

http://www.woodtv.com/Global/story.asp?s=6623359

davidjh72 · 06-15-2007, 04:10 PM

No prob, Clencher. I had to re-read that guy's statement again just now to make sure it didn't say "engine off". Egg on my face if it had.

slurp812 · 06-15-2007, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidjh72

I feel like the trucks are this close...

http://www.woodtv.com/Global/story.asp?s=6623359

OUCH!

zpiloto · 06-15-2007, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theclencher

Appears I wasn't paying attention as closely as I should have. My apologies.

Seem like I been on the wrong side of the fence here lately but I agree with clench. The article say's that it illegal to coast and that Wayne cost engine off with out the assistance of power steering or brakes. I also thought it was well written.

As far as the comments just look around here you'll find all kind of urban ledgens that take a while to dispell.

I like the term eco-driver. I'm putting that in my avatar

davidjh72 · 06-15-2007, 05:14 PM

Bubba Bob and Clencher...

The trucking article mentioned in this thread can be found at this link (I couldn't find the GS thread about it, so here it is "straight from the horse's rump". Sorry about the confusion.

http://www.truckline.com/NR/exeres/1...7A019669C6.htm

jwxr7 · 06-15-2007, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidjh72

I feel like the trucks are this close...

http://www.woodtv.com/Global/story.asp?s=6623359

that was quite a story, didn't that happen in Paw Paw michigan or something? 50 mph for 4 miles like that

.

davidjh72 · 06-15-2007, 05:50 PM

It sure did! My mom grew up in Paw Paw, near that very stretch of road. Lucky guy. I bet he was scared ****less at the time, but afterward, what a story to tell!

bzipitidoo · 06-15-2007, 06:23 PM

I wonder if Michigan is highly unusual, because of the automotive industry. Like, highest percentage of big vehicles of all the states because the industry has convinced everyone it's good for the economy and everyone's jobs. And the strictest "safety" regulations that really don't add to safety but do push people into getting service too often and trading in sooner than they would otherwise.

On the power steering and brakes, what happens if you have a mechanical problem and your engine quits while you're on the highway? If the vehicle is now uncontrollable because it can't be steered, shouldn't that model be banned from the highways? Since 9/11, "safety" has been the ultimate cop out to justify anything.

kitcar · 06-15-2007, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidjh72

I read that ATA article too. If truckers don't want to be tailgated, they shouldn't tailgate us car drivers!!! I've driven through the "mountains" in PA and TN a few times. It's a terrifying experience to be driving 80+ just to keep pace, and see a semi truck grill in the rearview mirror. What a minute... that was the last time I was on the freeway in un-mountainous Michigan.

Do unto others as you would have done unto you.

I agree, however we've all driven too close to them, followed some idiot that just hangs around the side of them and we've all cut (without realizing it) too close in front of them. If you've ever been in a large truck, someone just popping in front of you to get off at an exit is nothing short of nerve wracking.

That said, if you let them know you're there by appearing in the side mirrors and staying there, do a good 20 second turn signal cycle before changing lanes in front of them and otherwise giving them a wide berth, you will not have a problem.

One thing that I've thought of is putting a hyper-miler sign in the back window so semi drivers know what you're up to. Honestly, this helps a lot.

You can also get a CB and let them know that you're covering their back door. A little communication goes a long way.

Well, off to posting my latest video....

cfg83 · 06-15-2007, 07:44 PM

bzipitidoo -

Quote:

Originally Posted by bzipitidoo

I wonder if Michigan is highly unusual, because of the automotive industry. Like, highest percentage of big vehicles of all the states because the industry has convinced everyone it's good for the economy and everyone's jobs. And the strictest "safety" regulations that really don't add to safety but do push people into getting service too often and trading in sooner than they would otherwise.

On the power steering and brakes, what happens if you have a mechanical problem and your engine quits while you're on the highway? If the vehicle is now uncontrollable because it can't be steered, shouldn't that model be banned from the highways? Since 9/11, "safety" has been the ultimate cop out to justify anything.

That's another reason why I hate power steering in general, but I know you need it in the big cars. I don't know what to say about the brakes other than adding another vacuum/pressure bottle gizmo to the brakes so that you can have the power in the brakes for a longer period of time.

My Dad had a late 1980's Ford Escort sport model, and it had the infamous "cooking CPU". They put the CPU too close to something hot in the engine bay and it would break down. Maybe 3 or 4 times my Dad was caught with a dead car, once on the freeway. They had a recall to fix it, but he wouldn't go in to fix it. He probably had that fixed 3 or 4 times on his own dime. Now it is happily gone!

CarloSW2

kitcar · 06-15-2007, 07:58 PM

Quote:

On the power steering and brakes, what happens if you have a mechanical problem and your engine quits while you're on the highway? If the vehicle is now uncontrollable because it can't be steered, shouldn't that model be banned from the highways? Since 9/11, "safety" has been the ultimate cop out to justify anything.

(don't take this personal, just a general comment)

Oh please. I drive all the time with the clutch in and have no problems. My PS works fine as well as my PB. Maybe having a semi-hemi has an effect, but I doubt it.

Look at it this way; if it was so bad, parking lots would be hell in idle and your vehicle does not idle when you pop it into neutral. The computer will keep the thing up around 1k. I doubt that Dodge is the only manufacturer that does that.

Fourthbean · 06-15-2007, 09:03 PM

In my opinion you do not need power steering in big cars, you might need a larger than average steering wheel however. I drive a 2 ton car with manual steering, doesn't bother me a bit. Especially on the highway, I can drive with one finger once moving.

ma4t · 06-15-2007, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bzipitidoo

I wonder if Michigan is highly unusual, because of the automotive industry. Like, highest percentage of big vehicles of all the states because the industry has convinced everyone it's good for the economy and everyone's jobs.

For a state where everybody is complaining about the economy going down the crapper, everybody seems have a new car. What's up with that? My opinion is that the deep discounts for employees, not to mention new company cars every year for many, mean that the road is always full of new American cars.

Spend some time in Utah, though, if you want to see a high concentration of oversized battle cruisers. Larry H. Miller Truckland in Salt Lake City, UT is one of the biggest truck dealers in the US. http://www.utahforddeal.com/

The thing that blows my mind, is that automakers claim that Americans demand bigger vehicles. I don't buy that, no pun intended. From what I hear, profit margins are higher on bigger vehicles. The compact car market is much more competitive, and my opinion is that US automakers can't compete there, at least well enough to make a buck.

Just my $.02.

m

zpiloto · 06-15-2007, 10:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ma4t

The thing that blows my mind, is that automakers claim that Americans demand bigger vehicles. I don't buy that, no pun intended. From what I hear, profit margins are higher on bigger vehicles. The compact car market is much more competitive, and my opinion is that US automakers can't compete there, at least well enough to make a buck.

Just my $.02.

m

50% of the vehicles on the road are light trucks. Take a look around on your morning commute that ought to tell you what the consumer wants. I'm afraid that we here are but a very very small minority.