Seat position improves fuel economy?

[pkittie]

Just an observation now, but perhaps you guys can contribute...

Pre-amble: I'm 5'7" (but apparently have the legs of a 5' 9" person) and like to have the seat set a bit forward. One day I had a jacket slip down behind me and bunch up, which forced me to sit up straighter, thus forcing my leg to straighten out. I noticed that my fuel economy was way better on that particular trip.

So I decided to push my seat 2 clicks back (which is the penultimate position), and now my fuel economy (for this tank) is 54 (I'm at 260 miles now). It's usually around 45-48 for city, up to 54 on the highway. Now keep in mind I live in L.A., I've been using A/C intermittently, and most of my trips are under 20 minutes. I did make 2 highway trips during this tank (both were around 60 miles long/RT). I have the same tire psi (42/40) and the same gas (Shell).

I think that pushing the seat back prevents me from putting too much pressure on either gas/brake pedal. Obviously this probably won't work for most tall people, since the seat is limited on far it goes, but it might help everyone else.

Thoughts? I'll report back when I finish my tank.

[jammin012]

Use cruise control and see what happens in different seat positions.

[pkittie]

I really don't get to use cruise control at all-when I'm on the highway, usually it's in primetime traffic. Maybe on a road trip.

What happens?

[Sheepdog]

I dont think anything would happen Kittie. I think Jammin was surmising that it might provide data on wether you were indeed just pushing the go peddle too much. I know that if I sit too close forward in any car I push harder on the peddle.

You may be doing the same and using more gas to go the same relative speeds. It doesnt sound natural to do the same speed with less peddle but the Scan Gauge has shown me that it does happen.

Sit back, relax a bit, and enjoy the better mpg!

[TonyPSchaefer]

I am 5' 9" and I have my seat all the way back. I have found - like you - that with my feat almost barely able to reach the pedal I apply less pressure.

So to answer your question: I concur!

[abq sfr]

To maximize mpg and be one with your Prius, take off your right shoe when you drive. You will be surprised. And don't respond with how illegal that is... Bulloney

[Jiipa]

I'm 5'9" and my wife is 5'1" and I always get better FE than she does so the seat position must be the reason.

[qbee42]

Originally Posted by abq sfr

To maximize mpg and be one with your Prius, take off your right shoe when you drive. You will be surprised. And don't respond with how illegal that is... Bulloney

It's not illegal. Most states have some sort of catch-all law about safe driving that could apply if your shoeless state actually caused an accident, but other than that it's one of those urban legends about it being illegal to drive barefoot. Likewise with being barefoot and shirtless in grocery stores. In most locations the workres in the store are required to wear shirts and shoes, but not the customers. However, the stores are allowed by policy to ban shirtless and shoeless customers.

Tom

[hill]

Originally Posted by TonyPSchaefer

I am 5' 9" and I have my seat all the way back. I have found - like you - that with my feat almost barely able to reach the pedal I apply less pressure.

So to answer your question: I concur!

Similarly, driving w/ your shoes off will boost MPG's. Just use the big toe on the peddle ... you get a much better sence of how hard you're pushing down.

edit:
whoops, I see abq sfr already made the same point.

[jammin012]

Last trip I made to San Diego, 338 miles, I got the best mileage, 49.8. I didn't wear shoes the entire trip.

Of course I did use cruise control and my feet were either tucked under me on the seat or propped on the dash.

Must be the shoes.......