The 60 MPH Challenge - Update
Last week I wrote about starting a 60 MPH challenge, where I would keep my speed at 60 while on the highway to and from work to see how it improves the gas mileage in the Charger.
Well, today I filled up, and while I don’t think the numbers are actually representative of my gains, I’m still pretty happy.
First, this is the first time I’ve hit over 400 miles on a tank. Not bad for a (roughly) 16 gallon fuel tank. Last week I reported I had 22.4 mpg on that fill up, and this time, I got 25.24 mpg, for a 12.7% increase.
However, like I said above, I don’t think the numbers are right. I’ve driven almost 40k miles on this Charger, and I check the mileage at almost every fill up. My usual mileage is alot closer to 20 mpg before this experiment, not 22.4. Even at 20.5 mpg assumed prior to this test, the new mileage would indicate a 23.12% increase.
Now for the real stuff, go ahead, ask… “What was it like, Mike?”
- 60 MPH is PAINFULLY slow. Literally, I get bored driving. And Youngest has successfully fell asleep on EVERY drive to daycare in the morning (they go to school by their mom’s, so we have a 30 mile drive to school in the morning).
- I’ve received the bird (yes, THE bird) from at least one old man who wanted around me but couldn’t get there (too much traffic to my left). He’s the only one I noticed, it happened early, so I didn’t try to pay attention after that.
- I noticed OTHER people aren’t used to someone driving 60 MPH.
- Trucks. Big trucks. Tailgate. Yes, they do. Yes, it’s scary.
- I did get to see more on my drive, though. This week was the first week I noticed someone put up a Ron Paul sign on the highway ;) Unfortunately, it was on the left side of the highway, and me not noticing it until now shows why he didn’t get much showing (?). Or maybe I just have more time to look around now?
- I miss the rumble when flooring it on the highway to rev up to speed from an on-ramp or to pass… sorry, I do.
Other than that, it was the same old drive. But even given all the above, I think I’m going to keep the 60 MPH cap going. Mainly because of one reason:
- When I filled up today, it was $3.44/gallon. My 12.7% reduction equates to a savings of $0.44/gallon, and at the 23.12% reduction I feel I really got, that’s about $0.78/gallon savings.
PLUS, these savings go up as price goes up ;) So it’s in my best interest to continue the challenge.
Popularity: 100% [?]
If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!
April 21st, 2008 at 11:57 pm
lol, indeed it does pay to follow the law! :D lol
Tony
April 23rd, 2008 at 6:11 am
Ok, so I tried 60 mph yesterday and I have to agree - painfully slow. I’ll stick to my 65 mph and very careful road watching. By that I mean I try to anticipate slow downs and stop to let of the gas ahead of time rather than brake, etc. Avoiding all unnecessary acceleration. Doing that and driving a little bit slow has made a noticable impact in my fuel economy. I wish you luck in continuing the 60 mph challenge, but I’ll be passing you at 65 :)
Aww… Well, as they say in the fuel efficiency game, quitters never win, and winners… never get there quickly. Just don’t gimme the bird as you “fly” by… ;) –Mike
April 24th, 2008 at 2:01 pm
Wow! I knew that fuel economy goes down as you speed up, but I never did the math like you did.
People here in Florida drive crazy, so I’d be getting my fair share of “You’re Number 1!!!!!” on the roads.
My frugal driving strategy is very close to what Amanda does.
April 28th, 2008 at 10:54 am
[…] Cost Getting you Down? And also Mike’s experience with reducing your speed to save money! From Mike –The 60 MPH Challenge Update! #3. THIRD! We have an awesome article on Leverage Income: Make Money With Less Work at […]
April 28th, 2008 at 2:51 pm
I’m assuming the speed limit is 55? Then no one should be giving you the bird. goodness!! I say “go you”!
April 29th, 2008 at 4:37 pm
Wow, that’s a really cool challenge. I’ll have to keep checking back to see if it keeps working for you!