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Old 06-12-2008, 06:52 AM   #41
Orion
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Default depends on your attentiveness

Quote:
Originally Posted by 2Blackdogs View Post

Then what is your opinion on "cruise control" as an economizer?

Cruise control is better for maintaining a steady speed and provides savings over not paying attention to throttle settings, but someone who is really trying to squeeze every mile can do a little better by allowing the speed to vary somewhat and paying close attention to throttle movement. I generally use cruise control myself on the highway, but on hilly back roads, I let the speed vary a bit (but I don't hold up traffic!).

One other fuel saver I don't think was mentioned was using synthetic oil. It provides the best lubrication at minimal viscocity (doesn't get thick when cool).

As a nation, we need to use more rail transport. A recent ad by the train industry cited moving 1 ton 430 miles on 1 gal of fuel. Trucks have been used more for convenience and speed of delivery, but cross-country transport by rail would save huge amounts of fuel and relieve the congestion a bit with fewer trucks on the highways.
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