How I got 50mpg on my Smart.......

[blackbeagle]

I have the Scangauge hooked up and up to now (through 2000 miles), the best I got was 47.5mpg driving mostly flat highway around 60-65mph. Typically, it has registered between 37-40mpg average based on everyday driving.

Tonight I had to take a 40 miles hike across town. I was on the highway and saw two big semis ahead. I sped up and drafted one of them maintaining about 4-5 car length back doing between 65-70.

On the way back, I drafted another semi. We were going about 65mph the whole way, again 4-5 car length back. I can tell you that driving behind semi will need your full attention as you are basically behind a wall. My Smart did not drift, however, there were some turbulence so I had to keep both hands on the wheel.

Finally, I pull onto my exit and looked at the Scangauge.......50.4mpg. My gas gauge did not even drop one notch.

It was a fun ride.......

[angel]

When you say "4 - 5 car lengths" was this regular size cars or smart size cars? That is some awesome mpg!

[gmkid]

4-5 smart car lengths or regular car?

JF

[Smart09]

very smart i think ill look out for semis to draft lol

[evoluzione]

Originally Posted by blackbeagle

...and drafted one of them maintaining about 4-5 car length back doing between 65-70........50.4mpg. My gas gauge did not even drop one notch.

at those distances it won't belong until you can have the "50.4 mpg" written on your tombstone

[unicycle]

Funny ** I drafted a bit today, too. It occurred to me that this would be a great way to increase mileage, but there were two problems:
1. I prefer driving really slowly, so I typically don't try to keep up with the semis. After what you wrote about mileage, however, I may reevaluate.
2. But on the other hand, you're definitely too close for comfort in the event of an accident.

So it looks to me like the other method ** driving really slowly ** is my best bet. I drove 170 miles today (to and back from NYC) and averaged 50 mpg for the trips. I reached 52 mpg on the way in (a downhill, over all) and managed 48 on the way back. I kept my speed below the stated maximum of 65 ** in fact, I think I averaged 60 mph the whole way, occasionally dipping into the low 50s. It's getting to be a bit of an obsession. I'm really trying to join the elusive 400 club, but I doubt it's going to happen on this tank ** too many little jaunts around town and not enough h'way driving. But I'll be close.

[blackbeagle]

Originally Posted by evoluzione

at those distances it won't belong until you can have the "50.4 mpg" written on your tombstone

I first read of someone drafting a semi and thought he/she was crazy. But when I did it today, I realize that I'm not actually tailgating the semi. That would be suicidal. I was actually about a good 10 yards back. I would say that is normal length to be behind another vehicle.

Again, like I said, I was paying close attention to the semi. I'm not fiddling with the Ipod or trying to eat my $5 Subway sandwich.

Driving here in MN, I notice that if the gap between you and the guy in front of you is too wide, some idiot will slide right in and and you'll have to put on the brakes.

I thought I was at a safe distance.

[jwight]

Stopping distances for the 08 fortwo from the Road & Track road test:

Minimum stopping distance
From 60 mph 130 ft
From 80 mph 230 ft

so at 70 mph your distance will be about 200 feet (best guess); there are sites on the web showing longer distances at that speed. Drafting will certainly work, but it's good to have an escape plan just in case, not to mention if one of those big retreads lets go.

[blackbeagle]

Originally Posted by jwight

Stopping distances for the 08 fortwo from the Road & Track road test:

Minimum stopping distance
From 60 mph 130 ft
From 80 mph 230 ft

so at 70 mph your distance will be about 200 feet (best guess); there are sites on the web showing longer distances at that speed. Drafting will certainly work, but it's good to have an escape plan just in case, not to mention if one of those big retreads lets go.

I would not disagree with your thorough analysis. I'm not typically a tailgater. I thought it would be a fun experiment, so I tried it.

I don't plan to do this every time out just to save some gas. You're right, IF there happen to be an accident ahead of the semi, and it locked its brakes, I'm going be tasting some bumper.

It's the same way with driving behind every car. If they lock up their brakes, I don't care if you drive a Smart or a Corvette, you are not going to stop in time. Your reaction time just won't be fast enough.

[SuperGeek]

Or if it kicks up a rock or road debris. Brake lights you can see. Debris is harder to threat-analyze.

Fun experiment, not advisable for every day. The 10% boost in mpg isn't worth the risk.