Headlights affect on fuel mileage?

[tekn0wledg]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(brad34695 @ Aug 23 2007, 09:56 PM) [snapback]501325[/snapback]</div>

I agree, and I even go to the extreme of only using my turn signals when necessary. Meaning if I am waiting at a red light, I do not have them on and will put them on when the light turns green. Also, if I am in a designated turn lane I don't have them on as the direction I'll be moving in is already predetermined by the lane. Most importantly, I only run the A/C when my six year old son is in the car as that is the biggest killer of MPG. It's all in the life of a hypermiler.


[/b]

I think the lack of turn signals is a bit extreme. But if you are going to do that, why not put your car in Nuetral and use the parking brake instead of holding your foot on the brake to avoid the brake lights being on as well? Or does the parking brake engage the brake lights?

[geodosch]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(tekn0wledg @ Aug 24 2007, 09:37 AM) [snapback]501503[/snapback]</div>

I think the lack of turn signals is a bit extreme. But if you are going to do that, why not put your car in Nuetral and use the parking brake instead of holding your foot on the brake to avoid the brake lights being on as well? Or does the parking brake engage the brake lights?
[/b]

The parking brake does not illuminate the brake lamps, but it does activate the brake warning light on the dashboard.

[ny biker]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(brad34695 @ Aug 23 2007, 09:56 PM) [snapback]501325[/snapback]</div>

I agree, and I even go to the extreme of only using my turn signals when necessary. Meaning if I am waiting at a red light, I do not have them on and will put them on when the light turns green. Also, if I am in a designated turn lane I don't have them on as the direction I'll be moving in is already predetermined by the lane. Most importantly, I only run the A/C when my six year old son is in the car as that is the biggest killer of MPG. It's all in the life of a hypermiler.


[/b]

a. I know in NY that is illegal. There is a requirement for how far in advance of a turn you are required to turn on your signal, like 100 feet or something. I expect it is illegal in other states, also.

b. Regardless of the law, safety > mpg. Always. Be predictable and tell others (drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians) what you are going to do before you do it.

[icarus]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(nybiker @ Aug 24 2007, 12:23 PM) [snapback]501670[/snapback]</div>

a. I know in NY that is illegal. There is a requirement for how far in advance of a turn you are required to turn on your signal, like 100 feet or something. I expect it is illegal in other states, also.

b. Regardless of the law, safety > mpg. Always. Be predictable and tell others (drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians) what you are going to do before you do it.
[/b]

When I was learning to drive, they were refered to as "Turn Indicators" Indicating that you were GOING to make a turn! I believe that's what they're for!

[JimN]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(likesmpg @ Aug 23 2007, 08:38 PM) [snapback]501286[/snapback]</div>

Purely out of curiosity, has anyone done a reasonable experiment to show the affect of having the headlights on fuel efficiency? Driving to work today I notcied my battery bar dropping more quickly than usual (it stays dark longer now). I turn mine on for safety of course but was wondering if anyone had any neat data? Thanks.
[/b]

Have you looked into the friction powered lights the Amish use on their buggies?

I suspect turn signals are optional equipment that nobody buys because they aren't used.

[GT in PA]

My consideration for not running the headlights all the time is the cost of the HID headlight bulbs. I did see a mod for fixing the fog lamps to run without the headlights so that might be an alternative.

GT

[patsparks]

Fog lights stay OFF unless there is fog thick enough to affect vision.
Globes last a long time, don't worry about it.
Turning lights on and off shortens the life of globes more than anything.
If fuel consumption is going up with shorter days could it also be cooler weather?

[NoMoShocks]

I guess for a compromise on the trun singals, you could modify the cadane so they only blink every other blink.

[patsparks]

Brake lights are LEDs so have very low power consumption. Replace all globes with LEDs to reduce fuel consumption by 0.0000001% Cost of conversion would be about $200 plus labour to replace all incandescent globes (except headlights) with LEDs. Is it worth it? Probably not. If you change indicator globes you may need to use an electronic flasher unit. I'm no expert on these things, feel free to add to this.

[Sufferin' Prius Envy]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(EricGo @ Aug 23 2007, 07:19 PM) [snapback]501340[/snapback]</div>

Headlights -- about 200 watts.

As for skimping on turn signals -- please, don't.
[/b]

HID headlights are 35 watts each . . . low or high beam.

Agreed on the not skimping on turn signals.