CleanMPG Fuel Economy Challenge VII - Fall 2009

I've seen these before. I may have to get one when I get back to work and I may not be able to park under a tree or roof.

 

I have the rain-X orange also but I still had to warm the windshield. I like the idea of the cover. Soon as I save a few bucks I'll try it out and post a review.

 

Sean, do you use one of these and/or have experience with this product?

 

I have not used one but I did use a thick towel once and had good results.

I'm thinking of getting one for when I park outside at work.

 

Unfortunately, my car lives out on the street. I don't have access to an electrical socket, and even if I did I do not trust the local teenagers not to mess with the cord. (I'm a tiny bit bitter over losing a fire extinguisher and a stereo face plate a while back.)

-soD

 

Can you add me to Div C and marathon.
http://www.cleanmpg.com/index.php?page=garage&displayunits=MPG(US)&viewcar=3296

 

The only good thing I have to report is the length of time from my last fill up. I'm doing well with a week of vacation over Thanksgiving, driving the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Focus for the 2nd week (this week) and 2 weeks of work for the remainder of the year. We don't want to talk about my sub 50 mpg tank in progress. However, I am pretty sure it will be the last of the year ...

 

I've been thinking about the solar panel idea... I need to wire it into a constant power circuit, though, as my cigarette lighter is only on when the key is on.

BTW, I just entered my previous tank. As I thought, significantly worse, 10% worse MPG than the other tanks in this challenge.

-soD

 

Huge drop this tank due to weather, rain and a bout of gout. First tank in the last 18 that I went under 50 mpg. I was hoping to make a year of over 50 mpg but that’ll have to be tried again starting next spring.

With cold weather and rain in the forecast I’ll have to be happy trying to keep the tank average above 50!

 

My numbers are going to be taking a significant dive from now until spring. I got some Bridgestone Blizzacks put on Friday and I can see a measurable loss in coasting distance. And, as a double whammy, we have our first measurable accumulation of snow today.

 

Welcome to the world of SHRR tires

I knew mine were bad (there is no way you could listen to them howl and not know that they are wasting energy) when I first heard them. Unfortunately, the tire salesperson had sold these awful tires to my poor wife who did not know better (we had a blowout on my way to the airport - before my hypermiling days). I cannot justify the environmental waste of throwing them away, but I get tempted every commute!!

Back to business. Somehow, I managed to squeak out a tiny improvement in FE. I am barely back in the 50 mpg range (50.227 = 239.4% EPA). Much worse than the summer's driving, but I am learning how to P&G w/the engine on (electrical drain due to lights) when I am driving home. I cannot wait to drive home in daylight!!

Anyone know how CobraPond is doing?

Bottom line for me is that the numbers below are probably my final contest numbers. I only have 9 work days left this year and there is little chance of me adding another tank. Also, since I started hypermiling, my extraneous trips have withered to near zero. I have to say that when I look at the way I use to drive, it is remarkable to have only filled the tank 4 times in 3 months!!!

Projected FE VII Final Results
51.233 mpg 53.885 gal 2760.7 miles 243.97 %EPA

 

Craig, I just heard last night that CobraPond was getting low on gas. For him, that could mean any day now for a fill or it could be next week. He just doesn't drive a whole lot. I'll find out for sure later today.

 

I also need to add the partial E10 Handicap

 

I think I have a lock on second place (maybe first place if my hydrophobic [or is it hydrophilic?] anti-venom is still potent ). However, the next competition is going to be rough. I'm struggling to hit the 230-240 % EPA range because of the short winter days we have up in the frozen northern tundra. I'm really not looking forward to short days AND cold weather ...