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"Slaloming"

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Fuel Economy' started by meezercat, Jul 1, 2006.

  1. meezercat

    meezercat New Member

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    So when I was buying the car today, the sales guy told me I should use the "slalom" method to maximize my fuel economy. Which is basically, get the car up to 70 mph, then let it slow down to 50, then go back up to 70, etc.

    Now, for one, I usually am driving in insanely heavy traffic so this wouldn't even be possible. But for those times that it would be possible, I can just see it inciting road rage for the person behind me.

    I'm not sure this would be a good idea even if it did work.
     
    #1 meezercat, Jul 1, 2006
  2. DaveinOlyWA

    DaveinOlyWA 3rd Time was Solariffic!!

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    that will get you worse gas mileage. the term is generally pulse and glide. the best way to do it is to accelerate to your target speed (maybe a 1-2 over) then as you reach target, let up on the gas until you see 99.9 mpg on display. try your best to maintain speed and keep it at 99.9. you will slowly slow down if on level ground unless going real slow. when the ICE kicks in. (you will know this because mpg's drop to the 20's) then accelerate slightly "pulse" back up to a few mpg's over and then "glide" again. take advantages of downhill slopes to increase speed.

    what you were told was by someone on crack. your mileage WILL SUFFER anytime you get up to 70 mph no matter what.
     
    #2 DaveinOlyWA, Jul 1, 2006
  3. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    Yup,
    Sounds like your salesguy has heard of Pulse & Glide but has a very inaccurate understanding of how/when/why to do it.

    But, as stated above, don't do that. Pulse and glide only works at speeds below 42mph, and only with special technique and practice.
     
    #3 efusco, Jul 1, 2006
  4. meezercat

    meezercat New Member

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    This is fascinating stuff. I clearly have a lot to learn! :)
     
    #4 meezercat, Jul 2, 2006
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