Easy way to cut costs

Vantagemed replied on 30/05/2022 13:26

Posted on 30/05/2022 13:26

I've found a device which will cut costs on any motorhome or towing vehicle.  Very easy to use and does not need fitting.  It's the Right Foot.  Simply by driving with a lighter right foot has cut the fuel consumption in my Fiat van conversion motorhome by around twenty-five percent and also cut driving stress.   Results are good on all kinds of roads, but especially good on motorways.  The van's been doing about thirty per cent better by dropping motorway cruising speed from around seventy to between fifty and sixty - and the driving has been much more enjoyable.

Also have found that by being a little more gentle on the throttle around town (but not cutting actual driving speed) I'm getting much better fuel economy.

Works well for the newish diesel Fiat van in Blighty and the little oldish Honda petrol van in Japan.  The Japan van both runs around Tokyo and regularly goes to the Alpine regions not too far away.  The lighter right foot seems to save fuel everywhere, and at today's prices that's no bad thing ...

Tinwheeler replied on 30/05/2022 14:29

Posted on 30/05/2022 14:29

Yep, I was taught to drive in this manner around 55 years ago and I’m sure many others were too.

Btw, it not only applies to ICE powered vehicles but also to EVs.

Takethedogalong replied on 30/05/2022 15:23

Posted on 30/05/2022 15:23

I had to chuckle when I read the OP to be honest, so glad the penny is starting to (literally) drop for some.

Agree TW, driving older cars that really needed to be driven with thought and a sympathetic attitude didn’t just keep them running sweetly, but brought a bit of fuel economy into the equation as well. We still coax and mollycoddle a 50 year old MGB around in the Summer, and achieve  35mpg average with our MH. Have had 40mpg a few trips as well.

I find it very amusing being overtaken by some tail hugging fool, desperate to get just one vehicle more in front, only to gently roll up behind them at the next set of lights. 🤷‍♀️

Tinwheeler replied on 30/05/2022 18:51

Posted on 30/05/2022 18:51

I’d have thought so 👍🏻

There is an alternative with the Fiat Ducato which is to put it in Eco Mode. It makes you the slowest driver on the road by default🤣

eribaMotters replied on 30/05/2022 19:27

Posted on 30/05/2022 19:27

I honestly believe a significant number of drivers do not have a clue how the use of the right foot and reading the road can effect mpg.

I have just returned from Devon and Cornwall to Merseyside. This run gives an excellent chance to experiment as it is mostly motorway and good dual carriageway.

I drive a 3 year old 1.5L petrol Audi A3. On the no van trip down, 2 adults and very full boot, we sat around 60mph and returned 62mpg. On the return run it was 55mph and 71mpg. The 300 miles were covered in less than 6 hrs, so still a good average speed. These figures are far better than the manufacturers figures and show what you can achieve.

I always brim the tank and when I compare the actual mathematical mpg against what is on the cars computer it is within 1 or 2%. [My previous Skoda was not so accurate]

 

Colin

EmilysDad replied on 30/05/2022 19:34

Posted on 30/05/2022 19:34

I'm trying to work out if the OP is serious, taking the p or just condescending .... 🤔🤔

Rocky 2 buckets replied on 09/06/2022 07:07

Posted on 08/06/2022 17:21 by Cartledge

An even lighter right foot can be achieved by driving with no shoes on at all. Hope your socks are clean! Avoid cruise control too. 

Posted on 09/06/2022 07:07

I thought cruise control was a positive fuel save🤔, I use it on long motorway runs🤷🏻‍♂️

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